Auburn Tigers Roar Back with McPherson’s Return and Navigate Transfer Landscape
The Auburn Tigers football program is buzzing with a mix of renewed optimism and the inevitable adjustments of the transfer portal as they navigate the landscape leading into the 2025 season. The most significant piece of positive news for the Tigers faithful is the expected return of star placekicker Alex McPherson. After a challenging 2024 season that saw him sidelined for the majority of the year due to a severe gastrointestinal illness, McPherson has indicated his readiness to rejoin the team.
McPherson’s absence was keenly felt in the 2024 season. A Lou Groza Award semifinalist in 2023, his reliability and strong leg were missed as the Tigers struggled with consistency in their kicking game. True freshman Townes McGough and later Ian Vachon stepped in to fill the void, but neither could replicate McPherson’s proven track record. McGough connected on just 5 of 12 field goal attempts, while Vachon provided stability towards the end of the season.
The journey back to the field for McPherson has been arduous. He revealed that the illness caused him to lose a significant amount of weight, dropping from 165 pounds to a mere 110 pounds at his lowest point. Following surgery in December 2024, which involved the removal of his entire large intestine to address ulcerative colitis, McPherson has been diligently working to regain his strength and conditioning. Recent posts on his social media and statements to the media suggest that his efforts are paying off.
“I’m super excited. I’m super pumped to finally get back on the practice field and get back to doing what I love,” McPherson stated 1 earlier this month. “Just being around the guys has been a blast, and just getting back for spring practice. All that hard work and time we spent trying to figure everything out now it is finally paying off. Getting to see the fruit from everything that we have been going through… it is awesome to finally get back out there.” 2
Head Coach Hugh Freeze echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about McPherson’s progress. “Alex is back to being Alex,” Freeze commented recently. “I don’t know if he’s missed any at all this spring.” This positive assessment indicates that McPherson is not only healthy enough to participate but is also performing at the high level Auburn fans have come to expect. His return solidifies a crucial aspect of the special teams unit and provides a significant boost to the overall team morale heading into the 2025 campaign.
While the return of McPherson provides a lift, the Auburn program, like all others in college football, is actively managing roster changes through the transfer portal. Several former Tigers have sought new opportunities elsewhere, and their destinations are beginning to solidify.
Safety Terrance Love, a sophomore who entered the portal, has committed to Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. Love, a former four-star recruit, will look to gain more playing time in Boulder. Cornerback JC Hart, another sophomore, has found a new home in the Big Ten with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Hart’s departure leaves a need for depth in the Auburn secondary, which the coaching staff will need to address through recruiting and player development.
Tyler Scott, a redshirt freshman cornerback, has transferred to Georgia State, providing him with an opportunity closer to home and a chance for increased playing time. On the offensive side of the ball, redshirt freshman offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner has committed to Purdue. Joiner, a local product from Auburn High School, will look to contribute to the Boilermakers’ offensive line. Wide receiver Dylan Gentry, a freshman, has transferred to Jacksonville State, where he will aim to make an immediate impact.
These departures are a natural part of the modern college football landscape. While losing talented players is never easy, the transfer portal also provides opportunities for Auburn to bring in players who can address specific needs. The Tigers have been active in the portal themselves, securing commitments from several transfers who are expected to contribute in the 2025 season.
On the incoming transfer front, Auburn has added significant talent and experience. Quarterbacks Jackson Arnold (from Oklahoma) and Ashton Daniels (from Stanford) headline the offensive additions, completely revamping the quarterback room. They join freshman Deuce Knight, creating a new dynamic at a crucial position.
The wide receiver room has been bolstered by the additions of Eric Singleton Jr. (from Georgia Tech) and Horatio Fields (from Wake Forest). Singleton was considered one of the top receivers in the portal and brings immediate playmaking ability. The tight end position sees the arrival of Preston Howard (from Maryland), adding depth and experience.
Defensively, the Tigers have been active in the portal as well. Defensive linemen James Ash (from Florida A&M) and Jay Hardy (returning to Auburn from Liberty) will provide much-needed depth and talent on the interior. Linebacker Caleb Wheatland (from Maryland) adds experience to the linebacker corps, while Tulane cornerback transfer Rayshawn Pleasant recently had a “great visit” to Auburn, indicating a potential future addition to the secondary.
These incoming transfers, combined with returning players and incoming freshmen, will shape the Auburn roster for the 2025 season. The coaching staff, led by Hugh Freeze, will be tasked with integrating these new pieces and building a cohesive and competitive team. The return of a key player like Alex McPherson provides a strong foundation for the special teams, and the adjustments made through the transfer portal will be crucial in determining the Tigers’ success in the upcoming year. As the summer progresses and fall camp approaches, the focus will intensify on building chemistry and establishing the roles for each player as Auburn aims to make a significant impact in the SEC.
