AUBURN | In a move that came as no surprise to Auburn fans, head coach Hugh Freeze didn’t have to look far to strengthen his quarterback room. Auburn’s latest addition is Tanner Bailey, who has made the decision to transfer from South Carolina and join the Tigers’ football team. Bailey’s decision to move closer to home and return to football comes after spending the past year as a student at Auburn University, where he earned his degree in sociology in just five semesters.
Bailey’s journey to Auburn comes with a unique backstory. After spending two seasons at South Carolina, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound quarterback took a step back from football, deciding to focus on personal growth outside of the sport. This decision, according to Bailey, was not entirely related to football but rather a choice for his personal development. “I wanted to step away from it. I thought it was best for me for my personal growth,” Bailey shared, acknowledging that his time away from football had allowed him to mature in various aspects of life. “I feel like the last year I’ve matured, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.”
Bailey’s decision to come out of retirement is driven by his long-time admiration for Auburn University and his deep connection to the school. Reflecting on his childhood dreams, Bailey expressed, “If you were to ask me as a 5-year-old, what was your life-long goal or your dream, it probably wouldn’t even be to make it to the NFL. It’d probably be to suit up in an Auburn uniform.” This lifelong connection to the Auburn program, paired with his newfound maturity, made returning to football a logical next step in Bailey’s journey.
Bailey’s return to the football field comes at an interesting time for Auburn. The Tigers are looking to revamp their quarterback situation, and the arrival of Bailey adds depth and experience to an already competitive quarterback room. His prior experience in the SEC at South Carolina will only serve to benefit the Tigers, as he brings valuable knowledge to the table. When discussing his role at Auburn, Bailey noted that the coaching staff had a specific vision for him. “They want me to be off-script a little bit, a role guy. And I get that,” Bailey said, referring to the fact that his role with Auburn will likely differ from traditional starting quarterback duties. Nevertheless, he emphasized his focus on competing, pushing the other quarterbacks in the room, and contributing to the team’s success. “I just want to compete and push those other guys, and lead when I lead and follow when needed. I just want to make our quarterback room better. If I do that, I’ll be a happy camper.”
Bailey’s arrival is also significant because of his family’s legacy at Auburn and within the world of college football. His father, Lance Bailey, played quarterback under legendary Auburn head coach Pat Dye in the 1980s, and his grandfather, Ken Bailey, was a quarterback at Alabama under the iconic Bear Bryant in the late 1950s. Growing up in such a football-centric family, Bailey has a deep understanding of the game and a strong connection to the tradition of college football in the state of Alabama. This lineage adds even more intrigue to his decision to transfer to Auburn and to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in a football-centric state.
Bailey’s high school career in Gordo, Alabama, was nothing short of impressive. As a senior, he completed 131 of 217 passes for 2,401 yards and 33 touchdowns. Over the course of his high school career, he amassed over 8,600 yards and 104 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of Alabama’s top quarterback prospects in the 2022 recruiting class. His strong high school career earned him a 4-star rating, with Rivals ranking him as the nation’s No. 11 pro-style quarterback and the No. 228 overall prospect in the 2022 class. His success in high school set the stage for his collegiate career, though it hasn’t been without challenges.
Bailey’s two seasons at South Carolina were relatively quiet in terms of playing time, with Bailey redshirting his first season and playing in only one game as a redshirt freshman in 2023. Despite this limited experience, Bailey gained valuable knowledge of the SEC and the nuances of college football at the highest level. His ability to adapt and grow from his time at South Carolina has prepared him for this next step in his football career.
The Auburn Tigers, under head coach Hugh Freeze, are clearly making a concerted effort to build a competitive and talented quarterback room for the future. The addition of Bailey adds yet another layer of depth to the team, with Bailey joining a group that already includes transfers Jackson Arnold (formerly of Oklahoma) and Ashton Daniels (formerly of Stanford), along with incoming freshman Deuce Knight. This influx of quarterbacks is expected to create a highly competitive environment for the starting job, with Bailey likely vying for the role alongside the other talented quarterbacks.
Bailey’s decision to transfer to Auburn is a significant move for the program, but it also has personal significance for the player. Returning to the sport he loves, Bailey is motivated not only by the opportunity to compete for playing time but also by the chance to be part of the Auburn family and continue his personal and professional growth. Bailey has not only proven his dedication to football but also his ability to balance academics with athletics, as evidenced by his completion of his degree in sociology in just five semesters at South Carolina and Auburn.
In addition to his plans for football, Bailey is also focused on his academic future. He intends to pursue a second degree in business at Auburn and eventually attend law school, showcasing his drive to excel both on and off the field. This multifaceted approach to his future underscores Bailey’s commitment to his long-term success, both in football and in life.
As Auburn’s quarterback situation continues to develop, Bailey’s experience, leadership, and deep-rooted connection to the program will no doubt make him a key figure in the Tigers’ future success. Whether he earns the starting quarterback role or contributes in a different capacity, Bailey’s return to football and his decision to join the Auburn Tigers is a story of personal growth, dedication, and a deep love for the game. For Bailey, this new chapter represents the culmination of a childhood dream—suited up in an Auburn uniform and ready to take on the challenges of SEC football.
