BREAKING: Former Five-Star Safety Jacoby Matthews Stuns College Football World by Leaving Texas A&M and Transferring to Auburn Tigers

The Auburn Tigers have just landed one of the most significant transfers of the offseason, and it’s sending shockwaves through the college football world. Former five-star safety Jacoby Matthews, who initially signed with Texas A&M as part of their historic 2022 recruiting class, is now officially headed to the Plains. In what many are calling a massive win for Hugh Freeze’s program, Matthews’ decision to transfer to Auburn adds another elite piece to a defense looking to take a major step forward in 2025.

For Auburn fans, this is the type of news that reignites belief in the trajectory of the program. Matthews was one of the crown jewels of Jimbo Fisher’s star-studded 2022 Texas A&M signing class, which at the time was touted as arguably the best in college football history. Ranked as the No. 1 safety in the nation by several recruiting services and one of the consensus top players overall, Matthews arrived in College Station with massive expectations. His physical tools, football IQ, and ability to make plays at all three levels of the defense made him an instant fan favorite for Aggie supporters and a nightmare for opposing offenses.

But as is often the case in today’s college football landscape, things change quickly. Coaching turnover, scheme adjustments, and player development paths can shift, leading even the most elite prospects to reevaluate their situations. That appears to be exactly what happened with Matthews, who, after two seasons with the Aggies, has decided to seek a new opportunity—one that will now come at Auburn, a program eager to return to national prominence under Hugh Freeze.

The impact of Matthews’ transfer cannot be overstated. Auburn has quietly built one of the more intriguing defenses in the SEC, especially with the infusion of young talent, transfer additions, and the development of key returners. Adding a player like Matthews, who possesses not only elite athleticism but also significant SEC experience, immediately elevates the ceiling of this defense.

At Texas A&M, Matthews showcased flashes of the player that made him such a coveted recruit coming out of Ponchatoula High School in Louisiana. His versatility allowed him to line up in multiple spots, from deep safety to nickel to even in the box at times. His size—standing around 6-foot-2, 205 pounds—combined with his speed and physicality, makes him the prototype for the modern safety who can cover, tackle, and disrupt plays all over the field.

While his time in College Station didn’t fully meet the massive expectations placed upon him, Matthews still made significant contributions, including several highlight-reel plays and critical stops in SEC competition. His decision to transfer likely reflects both a desire for a fresh start and an opportunity to maximize his potential in a system better suited to his skill set.

For Hugh Freeze and his staff, landing Matthews is not just about adding another talented player—it’s a clear signal that Auburn is once again becoming a destination for elite athletes looking to compete for championships. Freeze, who is known for his ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent, has made it a priority to bolster the Tigers’ defense through both traditional recruiting and the transfer portal.

In recent months, Auburn has been aggressively active in reshaping its secondary, with Matthews becoming the latest—and perhaps the most significant—addition. His arrival will provide immediate leadership, versatility, and depth to a unit that has to contend with the explosive offenses of the SEC on a weekly basis.

From Matthews’ perspective, Auburn presents an enticing opportunity. Not only will he have the chance to step into a system that promises to maximize his strengths, but he will also be competing in one of college football’s most electric environments. Jordan-Hare Stadium is known for its raucous atmosphere, passionate fan base, and unforgettable moments—elements that appeal to any player eager to make their mark on the national stage.

Moreover, the timing couldn’t be better. Auburn is building real momentum under Freeze, with a highly-ranked recruiting class, an improved roster, and growing optimism surrounding the program. The Tigers have quietly positioned themselves as a team capable of making noise in the SEC, and the addition of a former five-star like Matthews only fuels that belief.

Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who Freeze hired to bring an aggressive, multiple-look defense to the Plains, now has a new weapon to deploy. Matthews’ ability to cover ground in the secondary, provide support in the run game, and deliver game-changing plays will be invaluable as Auburn seeks to reassert itself among the SEC’s elite.

Beyond the field, Matthews brings a competitive edge and experience that can benefit the locker room. His journey—marked by the highs of being a five-star recruit, the challenges of navigating expectations at Texas A&M, and now the decision to transfer—has given him perspective and resilience. Those qualities can be contagious in a young Auburn team looking to mature and rise to the challenge of competing with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.

It’s also worth noting the broader implications of Matthews’ move within the SEC. Player movement within the conference has become increasingly common in the transfer portal era, but high-profile transfers like this still carry weight. For Auburn to land a player of Matthews’ caliber, especially one with established SEC experience, speaks to the credibility Freeze and his staff have quickly built.

From a recruiting standpoint, this addition sends a message to prospects around the country: Auburn is serious about competing at the highest level, and the program is willing to make bold moves to close the talent gap. It also underscores the reality that the transfer portal has fundamentally changed roster management, allowing programs like Auburn to address needs and elevate their competitiveness in real time.

As for Texas A&M, Matthews’ departure is undoubtedly a blow. The Aggies have experienced considerable roster turnover following coaching changes and the natural churn of college football, and losing a player with Matthews’ pedigree will sting. Still, it highlights the challenges programs face in retaining top talent, especially in an era where players have more mobility and options than ever before.

But for Auburn, this is a day to celebrate. The addition of Jacoby Matthews is about more than just one player—it represents momentum, ambition, and the belief that the Tigers are poised to climb back into the national conversation. It reflects the work Hugh Freeze and his staff are putting in to reshape the roster and culture, creating an environment where elite players want to be.

As Matthews prepares to don the navy and orange, Auburn fans can envision the possibilities. A defense with Matthews roaming the secondary becomes that much tougher, that much faster, and that much more dangerous. For opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators, his presence is something they’ll have to account for on every snap.

The countdown to the 2025 season just got even more exciting on the Plains. With Matthews now officially part of the Auburn family, expectations are rising, and so is the belief that the Tigers are ready to shake up the SEC landscape.

Welcome to Auburn, Jacoby Matthews. The Tigers—and their fans—couldn’t be more fired up.