Auburn’s tight end room is getting a serious facelift - and it’s not subtle. Since the transfer portal opened earlier this month, the Tigers have brought in 33 new players, including a wave of talent at the tight end position. Under new offensive coordinator Alex Golesh and tight ends coach Larry Scott, Auburn has made it crystal clear: the tight end is going to be a focal point in this offense.
They’ve landed 21 commitments on offense alone, with three of those being tight ends. Add in the signing of 4-star high school prospect Damarcus Broughton Jr. and the recent commitment of another 4-star talent in Trae Proctor, and the message is loud - Auburn wants to dominate the middle of the field.
Let’s break down the trio of tight ends Auburn pulled from the portal and who might have the inside track heading into spring ball.
Jonathan Echols: Familiar Face, Fresh Start
Jonathan Echols was the first tight end to make the move to the Plains, and there’s already a built-in comfort level. He spent the last two seasons under Golesh at USF, where he caught nine passes for 109 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. That stat line might not jump off the page, but context matters.
Echols is 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds - a long, athletic frame that looks more like a big-bodied receiver than a traditional in-line tight end. He’s coming off shoulder surgery, which is worth monitoring, but his familiarity with Golesh’s system and his chemistry with quarterback Byrum Brown (also a USF transfer) give him a real edge.
He’s not just a project. Echols has three years of eligibility remaining, and if he’s healthy, he could be an immediate contributor in an offense that’s expected to lean heavily on tight end versatility.
Xavier Newsome: Size and Upside
Next up is Xavier Newsome, a transfer from Howard who reunites with tight ends coach Larry Scott. Newsome’s 2025 season was limited - just seven games, one catch for nine yards and a touchdown - but that doesn’t tell the full story.
At 6-foot-6, 254 pounds, Newsome brings serious size to the position. He’s the kind of player who can create mismatches simply by stepping onto the field. While he’s still developing as a pass-catcher, his blocking ability and physical presence could make him a valuable piece in certain offensive packages.
This is a long-term play with immediate upside. If Newsome can stay healthy and continue refining his route running, he could carve out a meaningful role in Auburn’s tight end rotation.
Jake Johnson: The Veteran Weapon
Then there’s Jake Johnson, the most experienced of the group. He’s played at both Texas A&M and North Carolina, and he’s coming off a 2025 season where he caught 16 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown.
But rewind to 2023 - Johnson’s best year came with the Aggies, when he hauled in 24 catches for 235 yards and four scores. He’s 6-foot-6, 240 pounds, and brings a polished skill set that includes reliable hands, solid route running, and enough speed to stretch the field.
Johnson is the kind of tight end who can be a safety valve on third down or a red zone target when things get tight. He’s not just a depth piece - he could be a difference-maker, especially if Auburn’s offense leans into multi-tight end looks.
What It All Means Heading Into Spring
With these three additions - plus two highly rated high school signees - Auburn’s tight end room has gone from a question mark to a legitimate strength. Golesh’s offensive scheme, which emphasizes tempo, spacing, and versatility, is tailor-made for tight ends who can do a little bit of everything.
Echols brings familiarity and upside. Newsome brings size and potential.
Johnson brings experience and production. And with spring practices around the corner, the competition is about to heat up.
Auburn didn’t just reload - they reimagined the position. And if these pieces come together the way the coaching staff hopes, the tight end could become one of the most dynamic weapons in the Tigers’ offensive arsenal.