AUBURN | The transfer portal for the 2023-24 season is reaching a critical time for Auburn with 13 outgoing and four incoming so far.
The transfer portal opened Dec. 4 and will close on Jan. 4 for AU players. There is a second opportunity for players to enter the portal May 1-15.
Below is a look at the transfers by position and the impact each will have on AU's depth chart.
QUARTERBACK
Transfers out (1): Robby Ashford
Transfers in (0): None
Current (3): Sr. Payton Thorne, So. Holden Geriner, RFr. Hank Brown
Incoming (1): TFr. Walker White
The Skinny: Just when it looked like Auburn was determined to build its offense around Thorne, AU is back in the portal looking for a potential replacement after a tough showing in the Music City Bowl. It appears all options are still open as far as the QB position for 2024. Brown made a positive impression at the end of the bowl game and should be in the mix this spring. Ashford leaving didn't come as a surprise and his decision doesn't impact whether or not AU pursues a transfer.
RUNNING BACK
Transfers out (1): Brian Battie
Transfers in (0): None
Current (4): Sr. Jarquez Hunter, Jr. Damari Alston, Jr. Sean Jackson, So. Jeremiah Cobb
Incoming (0): None
The Skinny: Battie is moving on for an opportunity for more playing time. The rest including Hunter are expected back this fall. AU wants to find more playing time for Cobb but it could look for an additional running back in the '24 class or concentrate its recruiting efforts on the '25 and '26 classes.
WIDE RECEIVER
Transfers out (4): Omari Kelly, (MTSU) Jyaire Shorter (MEM), Malcolm Johnson (BG), Ja’Varrius Johnson
Transfers in (2): Robert Lewis (GSU), Sam Jackson V (CAL)
Current (4): Sr. Koy Moore, Jr. Camden Brown, Jr. Jay Fair, So. Caleb Burton
Incoming (4): TFr. Cam Coleman, TFr. Perry Thompson, TFr. Bryce Cain, TFr. Malcolm Simmons
The Skinny: The wide receiver position is undergoing a major facelift for 2024. Lewis is AU's first portal addition and can play in the slot or outside. Jackson last played WR as a sophomore in high school but is a talented athlete. Those freshmen are playing right away and AU might not be done in the '24 class.
TIGHT END
Transfers out (1): Tyler Fromm (GSU)
Transfers in (0): None
Current (4): Gr. Luke Deal, Gr. Brandon Frazier, Sr. Rivaldo Fairweather, So. Micah Riley
Incoming (0):
The Skinny: Deal, Frazier and Fairweather are expected to return for next season. AU is seeking a rangy, pass-catching tight end in the '24 class or a young TE in the portal.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Transfers out (0): None
Transfers in (0): None
Current (11): Sr. Jeremiah Wright, Sr. Tate Johnson, Sr. Dillon Wade, Sr. Izavion Miller, Sr. Jaden Muskrat, So. E.J. Harris, So. Connor Lew, RFr. Tyler Johnson, RFr. Dylan Senda, RFr. Clay Wedin, RFr. Bradyn Joiner,
Incoming (3): So. Seth Wilfred, TFr. DeAndre Carter, TFr. Favour Edwin
The Skinny: First-year offensive line coach Jake Thornton completely transformed this position a year ago and will look to make it even better in 2024. Auburn would like to add a LT from the portal, which would allow Wade to move to guard. Six of AU's returning linemen have SEC starting experience, which should provide good competition in the spring.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Transfers out (3): Enyce Sledge (ILL), Stephen Johnson, Wilky Denaud
Transfers in (1): Gage Keys (KAN)
Current (5): Sr. Zeke Walker, Sr. Jayson Jones, Sr. Quientrail Jamison-Travis, So. Keldric Faulk, RFr. Darron Reed
Incoming (3): TFr. T.J. Lindsey, TFr. Malik Blocton, TFr. Amaris Williams
The Skinny: Auburn signed an excellent '24 class of D-linemen and all three are enrolling in January. Gage brings important depth. AU would like to add an impact defensive tackle to replace the NFL-bound Marcus Harris and perhaps more help at noseguard.
JACK LINEBACKER
Transfers out (1): Stephen Sings
Transfers in (0): None
Current (2): Sr. Jalen McLeod, RFr. Brenton Williams,
Incoming (1): TFr. Jamonta Waller
The Skinny: McLeod returning for next season is a big boost for the defense. He's AU's best pass rusher but can use some help. Williams will be counted on to contribute more after a full offseason of getting bigger, stronger and faster. Waller will play right away and AU could potentially add one more pass rushers from the portal. Inside linebacker Cam Riley could switch to Jack this spring as could freshman Joseph Phillips.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
Transfers out (0): None
Transfers in (1): Dorian Mausi Jr. (DUKE)
Current (6): Gr. Wesley Steiner, Sr. Cam Riley, Sr. Eugene Asante, Sr. Austin Keys, So. Powell Gordon, So. Robert Woodyard
Incoming (3): TFr. Demarcus Riddick, TFr. D'Angelo Barber, TFr. Joseph Phillips
The Skinny: This position should be a strength in 2024 with Asante returning and a very talented group of signees that will all have a chance to play next fall. Mausi is a big, physical Mike that fills an important need inside the tackles. As mentioned above, Phillips and Riley are versatile enough to play inside or Jack.
CORNERBACK AND NICKEL
Transfers out (1): Austin Ausberry (LSU)
Transfers in (0): None
Current (7): Sr. Keionte Scott, Jr. Champ Anthony, So. J.D. Rhym, So. Kayin Lee, RFr. J.C. Hart, RFr. Colton Hood, RFr. Tyler Scott
Incoming (3): TFr. Jalyn Crawford, TFr. Kensley Faustin, TFr. A'Mon Lane-Ganus
The Skinny: Scott announced he's returning, which gives AU a talented corner/nickel and a key leader back for the secondary. Lee was a huge late addition in the '23 class and projects as a starter next fall while Anthony was a nice pickup out of junior college. AU is seeking more veteran help out of the portal.
SAFETY
Transfers out (1): Marquise Gilbert
Transfers in (0): None
Current (5): Sr. Donovan Kaufman, Jr. Caleb Wooden, So. Terrance Love, RFr. Sylvester Smith, RFr. C.J. Johnson
Incoming (2): So. Laquan Robinson, TFr. Kaleb Harris
The Skinny: This position should be wide open for spring drills with Jaylin Simpson and Zion Puckett declaring for the draft. Kaufman and Wooden have starting experience while Love played a lot on special teams this season. Both Kaufman and Smith can play nickel too. Robinson was added from JUCO to step in as a starter but this is another position where AU could use a little help from the portal to bolster the ranks.
TOTALS
Transfers out: 13
Transfers in: 4
Current: 54 (includes kicker and punter)
Incoming: 20
PROJECTED TOTAL: 78
