Auburn continues to beef up its trenches, and the latest addition brings more FBS experience to the mix. The Tigers have landed Akron transfer Kenneth McManus IV, an interior offensive lineman who saw meaningful action during his lone season with the Zips.
McManus becomes the eighth offensive lineman Auburn has picked up from the transfer portal this cycle, and he's the 34th transfer overall-a clear sign the coaching staff is prioritizing depth and competition in the trenches heading into next season.
Let’s talk about what McManus brings to the table. The former three-star recruit played in 12 games for Akron and started six of those at left guard.
According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just one sack and 14 pressures on 271 pass-blocking snaps-solid numbers, especially for a freshman navigating his first year of college football. That kind of early production suggests a player with both physical tools and a foundation to build on.
McManus joins a group of offensive line transfers that’s as deep as it is diverse. Auburn’s portal haul includes players from across the country and a mix of Power Five and Group of Five programs. Here's a breakdown of the Tigers' new-look offensive line room via the portal:
- Cole Best (South Florida): A highly ranked interior lineman, Best comes in with top-10 positional ratings from both 247Sports and On3.
- Stanton Ramil (Michigan State): A top-15 offensive tackle prospect, Ramil brings size and upside from the Big Ten.
- Joseph Simmons (James Madison): Another tackle with a solid recruiting profile, Simmons adds versatility and starting experience.
- Jacob Strand (Oregon State): Strand may not have the same recruiting clout as others, but his Pac-12 background adds value.
- Cole Skinner (South Florida): Like Best, Skinner arrives from USF and adds more interior depth.
- TJ Hedrick (Ole Miss): A developmental tackle with SEC experience, Hedrick gives the Tigers a familiar face from within the conference.
- Jack Leyrer (Stanford): A veteran presence from the Pac-12, Leyrer brings experience and leadership to the tackle group.
As for McManus, while he might not have the recruiting rankings to match some of his fellow transfers, his on-field performance at Akron shows real promise. He’s a strong candidate to push for playing time in a retooled offensive line room that’s clearly been a focus for Auburn’s staff this offseason.
The Tigers are building something up front-and fast. With eight new linemen coming in, the message is clear: competition will be fierce, and no spot is guaranteed. For a program looking to take the next step in the SEC, that’s exactly the kind of internal pressure you want in the offensive line room.