Auburn had decided on the successor to Cam Newton. Barrett Trotter, the backup to Newton during their national championship season last year, has won the job.

Trotter, a junior, is the only player on the roster to see significant action with the Tigers. He completed 6 of 9 passes for 64 yards in 2010 in relief of Newton, who won the Heisman Trophy

"Barrett has worked extremely hard to earn the starting quarterback job at Auburn University," Auburn coach Gene Chizik said. "I'm very proud of him for the leadership and hard work he has shown not only during camp, but also during his three years at Auburn. Barrett has a great opportunity to represent and lead this football team moving forward. Barrett understands the huge responsibility that comes with being the starting quarterback at Auburn and we are confident in his ability to lead this team."

Auburn has kept a tight lid on details of how the competition evolved with this fall. Trotter beat out Clint Moseley and true freshman Kiehl Frazier, the 2010 All-USA offensive player of the year.

Minus Newton and several other key players, Auburn was voted No. 19 in the preseason USA TODAY Coaches poll.

"These decisions are extremely tough when dealing with such competitive young men who have a strong desire to excel," Chizik said. "Clint Moseley and Kiehl Frazier worked very hard and it's been a great competition that will make our young team better. Clint and Kiehl both have a lot of ability and will continue to improve. We look forward to watching their progress as the years go on."

MORE: Follow Erick Smith on Twitter