In the world of college football, competition is fierce, and Auburn's offensive line is no exception. After a major offseason shake-up, young lineman Tai Buster is finding himself right in the thick of it.
Hailing from Kannapolis, North Carolina, Buster saw limited action as a freshman in 2025. Yet, with a new head coach, Alex Golesh, taking the reins, and a slew of teammates departing, he initially thought a starting spot was his for the taking.
But Auburn had other plans. The Tigers went full throttle in the transfer portal, bringing in nine seasoned transfers and 14 fresh faces to bolster their offensive line.
This influx of talent means Buster has to prove himself all over again. Despite the increased competition, Buster has been taking first-team reps at left tackle during spring practice, showing he's ready to rise to the occasion.
Reflecting on his journey, Buster shared, “I came in thinking the spot was mine because so many older guys had left. But it’s still college football at the end of the day and everybody is out here competing. You can’t slack off or you’re going to lose your spot.”
Last season, Buster only saw action in two games, a testament to the growing pains he experienced. He candidly admitted that adapting to the speed and skill level of college football was a challenge.
“When I came in, I couldn’t even put hands on Keyron [Crawford]. He was moving at a different speed,” Buster recalled.
But through persistence and dedication, he’s made significant strides, now finding himself in the mix for a starting role.
Buster’s rise is also partly due to the absence of Michigan State transfer Stanton Ramil, who is recovering from an injury. Ramil is expected to be a strong contender for the left tackle position when he returns, but Buster’s solid performance in spring practice could make it an interesting battle come preseason.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 313 pounds, Buster might not be the biggest lineman on the field, but his agility and technique set him apart. Senior offensive lineman Jack Leyrer praised him, saying, “He’s an elite mover. Moves really well, got good hands.”
With these attributes, Buster is positioning himself as a formidable candidate for a starting spot. As the Tigers continue their preparations, Buster is one of the young players to watch, embodying the spirit of competition and growth that defines college football.