The Athletic claims that the Auburn Tigers are a major winner in the Transfer Portal.
As college football continues to evolve, the Transfer Portal has emerged as one of the most significant forces in reshaping team rosters. For programs striving to bolster their depth, add immediate impact players, and enhance their long-term prospects, the portal offers a critical tool. In the 2025 offseason, one program that made major strides in the transfer market is the Auburn Tigers. With a blend of strategic acquisitions, savvy evaluations, and a keen understanding of team needs, Auburn has positioned itself as one of the standout winners in the transfer portal landscape.
Before diving into Auburn’s success, it’s important to understand why the Transfer Portal has become so pivotal in college football. Launched in 2018, the portal has revolutionized how teams approach recruitment and roster construction. Players now have the freedom to transfer without sitting out a year, which has led to an influx of talent from one program to another. While some programs have struggled to make the most of the portal, others, like Auburn, have embraced it and maximized its potential.
For Auburn, the portal isn’t just a way to patch up weaknesses. It’s become a way to secure key position players, diversify the skill set on the team, and make bold moves to compete with top-tier programs in the SEC.
Led by head coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn has been on a mission to return to prominence within the SEC. Known for his offensive acumen, Freeze has prioritized filling gaps in key areas that have hindered Auburn’s success in recent years. From offensive line depth to playmaking ability at skill positions, Auburn’s transfer portal strategy has been meticulous and forward-thinking.
One of the key factors contributing to Auburn’s success in the portal is the clarity of their needs. Freeze and his staff have done a commendable job of analyzing where they were deficient and targeting players who can fill those voids. The team’s ability to land multiple highly touted players has been a testament to their strategic approach.
In recent years, Auburn has struggled with offensive consistency, particularly at quarterback. This season, the Tigers made a bold move by securing Cade McNamara, a former starter at Michigan. McNamara, known for his ability to manage the game and make crucial throws in high-pressure situations, instantly improves Auburn’s quarterback room. His leadership and experience will be critical in guiding an offense that has struggled to find its rhythm.
Along with McNamara, Auburn brought in multiple weapons to complement their passing game. The Tigers secured a pair of talented wide receivers from the portal, including Kendall Rogers from Wake Forest and Jayden Green from Texas A&M. Both players bring a mix of size, speed, and route-running ability that will be essential for Auburn to diversify their offensive attack. Green, in particular, is expected to have an immediate impact as a deep threat, something Auburn’s offense has lacked in recent seasons.
Additionally, Auburn fortified its backfield with the addition of Malik Johnson, a dynamic running back from Alabama. Johnson has the ability to break tackles and make explosive plays in the open field, offering the Tigers a balanced offensive approach. Having a playmaker like Johnson in the backfield, paired with McNamara under center, gives Auburn a dangerous one-two punch that could significantly improve their offensive output.
While Auburn’s offense has garnered much of the attention this offseason, the Tigers also made significant moves to strengthen their defense. Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, Auburn has placed a strong emphasis on stopping the run and generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The transfer portal provided the perfect opportunity to add proven talent in both areas.
One of the most impactful additions came on the defensive line, where Auburn landed Jaylen Williams from Texas Tech. Williams is an explosive defensive tackle with a knack for disrupting plays in the backfield. His ability to clog up running lanes and create havoc in the pocket will be essential for Auburn’s defensive front. Along with Williams, the Tigers also brought in Chris Jackson from Mississippi State, a powerful edge rusher who has shown the ability to collapse the pocket and generate sacks. The addition of these two players gives Auburn a formidable defensive line capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
Auburn’s linebacker corps also received a boost with the acquisition of Devin Collins, a versatile linebacker who excels in coverage and against the run. Collins will provide depth and versatility to the linebacker position, where Auburn has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. His ability to cover ground quickly and read the quarterback’s eyes will make him a key asset to the Tigers’ defensive game plan.
While the immediate impact of the transfer portal is crucial, Auburn’s long-term strategy also plays a key role in their success. With Freeze at the helm, the Tigers are focused not just on winning now but on building a sustainable program that can compete at the highest level for years to come. The transfer portal, while often seen as a short-term fix, has become a crucial piece of this long-term puzzle.
One of the most exciting aspects of Auburn’s transfer portal success is their ability to blend immediate-impact players with younger, high-upside talent. Players like Derrick Moore, a sophomore cornerback from LSU, add depth to Auburn’s secondary and offer the potential for future star development. Freeze has made it clear that the transfer portal will be used strategically to supplement the team’s recruiting efforts, ensuring that Auburn continues to be competitive both in the present and the future.
Additionally, Freeze has been active in securing commitments from high-school recruits who are expected to make an impact sooner rather than later. His balanced approach to roster construction—mixing transfers with high-school prospects—gives Auburn a strong foundation moving forward.
A key element of Auburn’s success in the transfer portal has been their ability to recruit players who fit into the program’s culture. While talent is obviously a top priority, Freeze has emphasized the importance of character, work ethic, and mental toughness. Players who have joined the Tigers this offseason have all demonstrated an understanding of what it means to play for Auburn—whether it’s their passion for the game, their desire to win, or their commitment to being part of something bigger than themselves.
Auburn’s commitment to building a team-oriented culture has paid off, as new players quickly bought into Freeze’s vision. This cultural cohesion has been a major factor in helping the Tigers form a tight-knit group, which will be essential as they work to compete in the rugged SEC.
The Auburn Tigers have emerged as one of the biggest winners in the 2025 transfer portal cycle, thanks to a combination of strategic acquisitions, roster depth, and a clear vision for the future. With players like Cade McNamara, Kendall Rogers, Malik Johnson, and Jaylen Williams, Auburn has significantly improved both sides of the ball, ensuring that they will be a formidable contender in the SEC next season. Their success in the transfer portal has set the stage for an exciting season and provides a glimpse into the future of the program under Hugh Freeze’s leadership.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, Auburn’s ability to adapt and thrive in the transfer portal will be a key factor in their ongoing pursuit of championships and national recognition. With a mix of veteran leadership, young talent, and an unwavering commitment to success, the Auburn Tigers have positioned themselves as one of the premier programs in college football.
