Auburn’s most valuable offensive weapon may be an incoming wide receiver transfer.

When head coach Hugh Freeze stepped into the Auburn football program, he made one thing abundantly clear: Auburn needs more firepower on offense. After a season of inconsistent quarterback play, a rushing attack that sputtered at times, and a wide receiver corps that failed to consistently separate from SEC defenses, Freeze and his staff went hunting for talent in the transfer portal. What they found could be a game-changer.

Among the several players Auburn added this offseason, perhaps the most valuable offensive weapon heading into the 2025 season isn’t a returning starter or even a five-star recruit. It might just be an incoming wide receiver transfer — a player with elite speed, SEC experience, and the hunger to prove he can be “the guy.” His name is Latrell Simmons, and if spring practices are any indication, he’s about to become Auburn’s offensive catalyst.

A Perfect Fit for a Program in Need

Simmons arrives on the Plains after two standout years at Arizona State, where he emerged as a dangerous vertical threat in the Pac-12. In 2024, he caught 61 passes for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns — averaging over 16 yards per catch. His ability to stretch the field, win 50/50 balls, and turn short gains into long touchdowns quickly made him a fan favorite in Tempe.

However, Simmons sought a bigger stage. “I wanted to prove I could do it against the best,” he said during his introductory press conference at Auburn. “The SEC is the standard. And Auburn felt like home from the first call.”

That call came from Auburn wide receivers coach Marcus Davis, who sold Simmons on an opportunity to be the focal point of a retooled offense — one that will look significantly different from the version that struggled to score against Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M last fall.

“He’s explosive, mature, and has a real chip on his shoulder,” Davis said of Simmons. “He plays with that edge, and he’s going to raise the level of everybody in the room.”

The Missing Piece in a Rebuilding Offense

Auburn’s 2024 offensive struggles were well-documented. The Tigers finished 12th in the SEC in total offense and averaged just 179.3 passing yards per game, one of the lowest marks in the conference. Drops, poor route execution, and a lack of separation plagued the receiving corps.

Returning receivers like Jay Fair and Camden Brown showed flashes but lacked consistency. True freshman Malcolm Simmons displayed promise late in the year, but Freeze knew they needed a proven playmaker.

Enter Latrell Simmons.

“He brings what we didn’t have,” Freeze said. “He’s a guy defenses have to account for on every play. He stretches zones, wins one-on-ones, and demands bracket coverage — that opens things up for everyone else.”

Simmons’ versatility also gives Auburn flexibility in play design. He’s dangerous on jet sweeps, screens, deep routes, and intermediate crossing patterns. Auburn plans to move him around the formation to exploit matchups, much like what Freeze did with Laquon Treadwell at Ole Miss and more recently with Malik Heath at Liberty.

A Spring to Remember

Simmons didn’t waste any time making his presence felt. From the moment spring practice began, he emerged as the most dominant offensive player on the field.

In multiple closed scrimmages, sources inside the program say Simmons consistently torched Auburn’s secondary — hauling in deep balls, breaking tackles, and making contested catches in traffic. One insider told reporters, “There was no one that could cover him man-to-man. It was like watching a pro among college players.”

In Auburn’s spring game, Simmons backed up the hype. He caught six passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, including a 58-yard bomb from projected starting quarterback Payton Thorne. His second score — a sideline toe-tap in the red zone — drew oohs from the Jordan-Hare crowd and earned a chest bump from Freeze himself.

“He’s everything we thought and more,” said Thorne after the game. “I’ve played with some good receivers, but Latrell’s on another level with his work ethic and detail. He’s where he’s supposed to be, and he makes me look better.”

Chemistry With Thorne — or Holden Geriner?

While Simmons’ impact is undeniable, the question remains: who will be delivering him the football?

Payton Thorne returns for his final year of eligibility after an up-and-down 2024. He threw for 2,135 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions — respectable numbers, but far from elite. Many believe Holden Geriner, a former four-star prospect, could push Thorne for the starting job this fall.

Regardless of who wins the QB battle, the coaching staff is confident that Simmons will make the transition smoother.

“Latrell is a quarterback’s best friend,” said OC Philip Montgomery. “He gets open quickly, runs precise routes, and he’s vocal in meetings. He holds himself and others accountable.”

That accountability has already earned him the respect of Auburn’s locker room. Multiple offensive players have called him a leader, even though he just arrived in January.

“He’s got that alpha mentality,” said junior lineman Tate Johnson. “When he talks, we listen. He’s not loud or flashy — he just works. First one in, last one out.”

An SEC Breakout Waiting to Happen

Though Simmons was productive at Arizona State, playing in the SEC is a different beast. But so far, nothing about the jump has fazed him.

“I’ve always believed I could play with anybody,” Simmons said. “Now I get to show it.”

If he continues this trajectory, Simmons could be in line for an All-SEC season and a significant rise on NFL draft boards. Scouts have taken notice of his sudden acceleration, strong hands, and route-running polish. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he’s well-built for the next level.

NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently listed Simmons as one of his “Top 10 Transfer Portal Additions with Day 2 Draft Potential”, calling him “an under-the-radar gem who could become a top 100 pick with a big year.”

Auburn’s Path Forward

For Auburn to contend in the rugged SEC West, offensive improvement is non-negotiable. With games against Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and LSU looming, the Tigers will need to score — a lot.

Latrell Simmons isn’t just a nice addition. He might be the difference between a 7-5 team and a legitimate 9-3 contender.

His presence will also open opportunities for Auburn’s other playmakers. Expect Fair and Brown to face softer coverages, tight end Rivaldo Fairweather to operate freely underneath, and the running back duo of Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb to find more lanes as safeties are pulled back.

And if Simmons continues to draw double teams? That’s a win too.

The Legacy He Wants to Leave

While Simmons is only guaranteed one year at Auburn, he hopes to make it a memorable one — not just for his draft stock, but for the program and community.

“I want to win here,” he said. “Not just for me — for the fans, my teammates, and this school. Auburn gave me a shot when I needed it, and I’m going to give them everything I have.”

He’s already involved in community outreach events, regularly attends film sessions with younger receivers, and has developed a strong relationship with Freeze.

“Hugh’s a players’ coach,” Simmons said. “He lets you be you — but he also pushes you to be great.”

That push may be exactly what Simmons needed. And Auburn may have found its next star in the process.

A Star in the Making

In an offseason filled with change and hope, Latrell Simmons represents both the new Auburn and the blueprint for what Freeze wants in his players: talent, toughness, and a team-first mindset.

He may not have the name recognition of past SEC stars just yet, but if his spring performance is any indicator, he soon will. And by the time the 2025 season ends, don’t be surprised if Simmons is not only Auburn’s most valuable offensive weapon — but one of the most feared receivers in the country.

Because every great team needs a playmaker. Auburn may have just found theirs.