Auburn currently has a top 10 transfer portal class in both basketball and football
Auburn University has experienced significant success in the past decade, particularly in its football and basketball programs. Recently, the Auburn Tigers have risen to prominence as a powerhouse in college sports, not only through their excellent recruiting classes but also by taking advantage of the NCAA’s transfer portal. The transfer portal, which has become a game-changer in college athletics, allows players to transfer between programs while maintaining their eligibility. This has opened doors for Auburn’s coaching staffs in both football and basketball to reinforce their rosters and fill critical needs. The Tigers’ ability to attract top-tier talent from the portal has propelled both the football and basketball programs into the top 10 of their respective transfer portal rankings.
The NCAA Transfer Portal was introduced in 2018 to allow athletes in Division I sports to enter their names into a database, signaling their intent to transfer. This rule change provided student-athletes more freedom to transfer between schools without being penalized by sitting out for a year, except in certain cases. The impact of the transfer portal on college sports, particularly football and basketball, has been profound. Coaches now have the ability to immediately improve their teams by acquiring established talent, creating a more dynamic and competitive landscape.
For schools like Auburn, which has experienced success but faced challenges in maintaining consistency, the transfer portal has been a crucial tool for improving rosters. By tapping into the vast pool of experienced and talented players looking for a fresh start, Auburn has been able to build strong teams capable of competing at the highest levels.
Under the leadership of head coach Hugh Freeze, who took over the Auburn football program in 2023, the Tigers have been working to rebuild their roster and improve their performance on the field. Freeze’s coaching philosophy emphasizes a strong, competitive environment and a high level of talent on both sides of the ball. Recognizing the need to bolster Auburn’s roster, Freeze and his staff made aggressive moves in the transfer portal to address key areas of weakness, and their efforts have paid off.
Auburn’s 2023 transfer portal class in football was ranked among the top 10 in the nation, thanks to the acquisition of several high-profile players from across the country. The Tigers focused on both sides of the ball, bringing in players to improve their depth and talent in crucial positions.
One of the most important transfers for Auburn’s football program was the addition of quarterback Payton Thorne from Michigan State. Quarterback play had been an area of concern for Auburn in recent years, and with the Tigers looking to compete in the tough SEC, bringing in an experienced signal-caller was crucial. Thorne, who had an impressive career at Michigan State, brings valuable experience to Auburn’s offense. His ability to lead the team and perform under pressure will be critical as Auburn looks to improve its passing game and compete with SEC powers like Alabama and Georgia.
Auburn’s offensive line has struggled in recent seasons, and Freeze was quick to address this issue by bringing in multiple transfers to bolster the front line. Key additions like Avery Jones (a center from East Carolina) and Daevin Jackson (an offensive tackle from Kansas) provide the Tigers with immediate help in an area that has been a weakness for several years. With the SEC’s powerful defensive lines, having a strong offensive line is critical to both the running and passing games, and these transfers give Auburn a much-needed boost in the trenches.
Auburn’s defense has traditionally been one of its strengths, but recent seasons saw a decline in overall performance. Freeze and his staff made sure to address this by bringing in several talented defensive players through the transfer portal. Linebacker, defensive back, and defensive line positions were all prioritized.
Perhaps the most notable defensive addition was linebacker Eugene Asante, who transferred from North Carolina. Asante provides immediate depth and experience to Auburn’s linebacker corps, giving the defense a more stable presence in the middle of the field. Additionally, Auburn added defensive back Jaylin Simpson, who transferred from Samford. Simpson is expected to make an immediate impact as a cornerback and provide stability to Auburn’s secondary.
Auburn also made several moves to improve their depth across all positions. Special teams players, as well as depth pieces in wide receiver and defensive back, were brought in to give the team more options and flexibility. With the added depth, Auburn’s coaching staff can rotate players more effectively, keeping fresh legs on the field during critical moments in the game.
The work Freeze and his staff did in the transfer portal not only addressed immediate needs but also set Auburn up for long-term success. By adding experienced and talented players, Freeze has given the Tigers a solid foundation for the future.
Auburn basketball, under head coach Bruce Pearl, has been one of the most successful programs in the SEC in recent years. Pearl has built a consistently competitive team that has made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to the Final Four in 2019. However, with the increasing emphasis on the transfer portal in college basketball, Pearl has adapted to the changing landscape by actively recruiting players from the portal to fill gaps and maintain a high level of competition.
Auburn’s 2023 transfer portal class in basketball was also ranked in the top 10 nationally, marking another successful effort to reload the roster. Pearl has shown that he can attract talent from the transfer portal and use it effectively to enhance his team’s performance.
Auburn’s biggest need in 2023 was at the point guard position, where the team had to replace a few key contributors from previous seasons. Pearl addressed this need by bringing in a highly skilled point guard, Allen Flanigan, who transferred from Arkansas. Flanigan’s experience in the SEC and his ability to run an offense make him an ideal addition to Auburn’s backcourt. His leadership and playmaking ability will be crucial as Auburn looks to maintain its competitive edge in the SEC and beyond.
Auburn’s frontcourt was another area that needed attention. The team added a powerful forward in LaDarius Aikens from Memphis, who brings size, strength, and versatility to the Tigers’ lineup. Aikens provides Pearl with a dynamic weapon on both ends of the floor, with his ability to score, rebound, and defend making him an important piece for Auburn’s overall success. Additionally, the Tigers added another forward in Chris Moore, who transferred from Virginia Tech. Moore’s defensive prowess and rebounding ability will be essential as Auburn looks to maintain its physicality in the SEC.
In modern college basketball, shooting and spacing the floor are critical to success, and Pearl recognized the importance of this when recruiting from the portal. To address this, Auburn brought in sharp-shooter K.D. Johnson from Arizona. Johnson is known for his ability to stretch the floor and create offensive opportunities, making him an important addition to Auburn’s offense. His ability to score from the outside will complement the Tigers’ interior game and give them more options when facing tougher defenses.
Defense has always been a hallmark of Bruce Pearl’s coaching philosophy, and the addition of several transfer players with defensive-minded approaches will help the Tigers maintain their reputation as one of the top defensive teams in the SEC. The Tigers brought in several transfers with the ability to guard multiple positions, making them versatile defenders who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Both Auburn’s football and basketball programs have experienced a surge in success thanks to their smart and aggressive use of the transfer portal. The Tigers’ top 10-ranked classes in both sports demonstrate the program’s commitment to building competitive teams capable of competing at the highest levels. In football, Hugh Freeze’s ability to revitalize the roster through experienced transfers has strengthened Auburn’s position within the SEC, while Bruce Pearl’s adept use of the portal has allowed Auburn basketball to continue its dominance in the SEC and make another push for postseason success.
The transfer portal has undoubtedly changed the way college sports are played, and Auburn’s success in both football and basketball is a testament to the program’s ability to adapt and thrive in this new era. As the transfer portal continues to evolve, Auburn will likely remain one of the top destinations for talent, making it a school to watch in the coming years.
