Auburn Reloads Through the Portal: Breaking Down the Tigers’ 2026 Transfer Class
The transfer portal window has officially shut for the offseason, and once again, Auburn football didn’t just dip its toe in the water - it dove in headfirst. For the second year in a row, the Tigers were among the most aggressive and active programs in the country, reshaping their roster with a flurry of portal additions.
Head coach Alex Golesh and his staff brought in 29 new faces while seeing 31 players head out. Thirteen of those newcomers followed Golesh from South Florida, including one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the portal, Byrum Brown. But Auburn’s haul wasn’t just about familiarity - the Tigers landed talent from across the country, including six consensus top-200 players.
Let’s take a closer look at where Auburn’s transfer class stacks up and who’s joining the program as the Tigers gear up for 2026.
Where Auburn’s Transfer Class Ranks
Depending on which outlet you trust, Auburn’s portal performance tells two very different stories.
If you’re looking at the net effect - players lost versus players gained - On3 paints a bleak picture, ranking Auburn’s class third-worst among 70 programs and dead last in the SEC. That’s largely due to the departures of high-profile names like Cam Coleman and Deuce Knight, both of whom were major pieces for the program.
But if you focus solely on what Auburn added, the outlook brightens significantly. According to 247Sports, Auburn’s incoming class ranks inside the top 15 nationally and sixth in the SEC.
The Tigers’ 29 additions are the seventh-most in the country, and their average player rating ranks 21st. So while the roster turnover was heavy, the quality of incoming talent is nothing to scoff at.
Headliners of the 2026 Transfer Class
Byrum Brown, QB (South Florida)
This is the crown jewel of Auburn’s class.
Brown was one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the portal, and his decision to follow Golesh speaks volumes. He’s a dual-threat weapon who already knows the system and ranked inside the top 10 among portal QBs by both major recruiting services.
If he wins the starting job, Auburn’s offense could take a big step forward - fast.
Bryson Washington, RB (Baylor)
A top-100 talent with power and burst, Washington adds instant depth and upside to the backfield. He’s ranked as a top-10 running back across the board and should compete for carries right away.
Walter Mathis Jr., DL (LSU)
Mathis brings SEC experience and high-level upside to the defensive front. While there’s a wide gap between his rankings on 247 and On3, there’s no denying his potential impact in the trenches.
Cole Best, IOL (South Florida)
Another familiar face for Golesh, Best is a top-10 interior lineman who could be a plug-and-play option. His physicality and experience in the system make him a valuable piece for a unit that’s seen plenty of turnover.
Jeremiah Koger, WR (South Florida)
Koger is a top-50 wideout with strong hands and route-running polish. His chemistry with Brown could be a major asset in the passing game.
Notable Additions Across the Board
Auburn didn’t just focus on star power - it filled needs across the depth chart:
- Stanton Ramil (OT, Michigan State) and Joseph Simmons (OT, James Madison) bring size and experience to the offensive line. Both are ranked among the top 15 tackles in the portal.
- Nate Johnson (EDGE, Missouri) gives Auburn a high-upside pass rusher who can rotate in early and potentially develop into a starter.
- Andre Jordan Jr. (CB, UCLA) is a top-25 cornerback who adds length and speed to the secondary.
- Jonathan Echols (TE, South Florida) and Jake Johnson (TE, North Carolina) provide versatility at tight end, with Echols being a more athletic option and Johnson offering size and blocking ability.
- Tristan Ti’a (QB, Oregon State) and Locklan Hewlett (QB, South Florida) add depth to the quarterback room behind Brown, while Nykahi Davenport (RB, South Florida) gives the backfield a bruising runner with upside.
- Scrap Richardson (WR, Notre Dame) and Chas Nimrod (South Florida) are intriguing depth pieces at receiver, while Christian Neptune (South Florida) and Kory Pettigrew (South Florida) add developmental potential.
- On the defensive side, Saint Farrior (DL, Appalachian State) and Cody Sigler (DL, Arkansas State) bolster the interior, while Fred Gaskin (S, South Florida) and Shamar Arnoux (CB, Florida State) round out a revamped secondary.
- Hudson Powell (LS, Miami-Ohio) may not be a headline grabber, but he fills a key special teams role.
What It All Means for Auburn
Yes, Auburn lost a lot. But they didn’t sit back and sulk - they reloaded.
Golesh and his staff prioritized familiarity, bringing in players who know the system and can hit the ground running. But they also cast a wide net, pulling in talent from the SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12, and beyond.
This class isn’t just about replacing bodies - it’s about reshaping the roster with players who fit Golesh’s vision. The Tigers may not be done building, but with the portal now closed, they’ve laid a strong foundation heading into spring.
If this group clicks - especially at quarterback - Auburn could be one of the more intriguing teams to watch in 2026.