Football News: 12-18-2025
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Dudley Dent
Dec 18, 2025, 7:21:35 AM (8 days ago) Dec 18
to Tiger Tracks
Auburn Football News: 12-18-2025
All-American linebacker announces his return to Auburn in 2026:
https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/12/all-american-linebacker-announces-his-return-to-auburn-in-2026.html
Durkin details Xavier Atkins’ journey, work ethic as star LB will return:
https://www.on3.com/teams/auburn-tigers/news/durkin-details-xavier-atkins-journey-work-ethic-as-star-lb-will-return/
What is Auburn’s outlook at QB going into 2026?:
https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/12/what-is-auburns-outlook-at-qb-going-into-2026.html
Auburn's Two Biggest Offensive Needs Heading into Alex Golesh Era:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/news/auburn-two-biggest-offensive-needs-heading-alex-golesh-era
Auburn Linebacker Announces Intention to Enter NFL Draft:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/auburn-linebacker-announces-intention-enter-nfl-draft
Former Auburn defensive tackle returns to his original NFL team:
https://www.al.com/sports/2025/12/former-auburn-defensive-tackle-returns-to-his-original-nfl-team.html
All-American linebacker announces his return to Auburn in 2026
By Peter Rauterkus
al.com
Auburn’s first All-American linebacker in over 20 years is returning next season.
Xavier Atkins announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he will remain with Auburn in 2026. The post came on Wednesday afternoon, and read, “Let’s run it back #WDE.”
https://twitter.com/XavierAtkins8/status/2001370561243681115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001370561243681115%7Ctwgr%5E580b3d46cdc7fd5dc1bbcf381dffdfae33b36cbb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.al.com%2Fauburnfootball%2F2025%2F12%2Fall-american-linebacker-announces-his-return-to-auburn-in-2026.html
Atkins isn’t eligible for the NFL Draft, but it’s not uncommon for players to enter the transfer portal after a coaching change. Plus, given his production in 2025, Atkins would have had no shortage of interest from other schools, even if there was no coaching change at Auburn.
The decision from Atkins isn’t surprising, after he told reporters following the Iron Bowl that he planned to return in 2026. Auburn also retained defensive coordinator and linebackers coach DJ Durkin, who played a major part in Atkins’ development.
Atkins was the most productive player on Auburn’s impressive 2025 defense, totaling 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks. The 17 tackles for loss were the most ever by an Auburn inside linebacker and the most by any Auburn underclassman since Antonio Coleman in 2007.
Those numbers earned him First Team All-SEC honors, along with All-America honors from the Walter Camp Foundation, the American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America.
He’s the first major Auburn contributor to announce his plans to return in 2026. That doesn’t necessarily mean others won’t return, but he’s the only one so far to make an announcement.
Fifteen Auburn players are already expected to or have announced their plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2. The most significant announcement came on Tuesday, when starting cornerback Jay Crawford declared his intentions to enter the portal.
************************
Durkin details Xavier Atkins’ journey, work ethic as star LB will return
By Justin Hokanson
Xavier Atkins is returning to Auburn for another season, giving the Tigers stability at linebacker and keeping one of the SEC’s most productive defenders in place.
Atkins announced his return on Wednesday via social media. He used the phrase “Let’s run it back!” with his social media graphic.
For defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, Atkins’ decision is incredibly meaningful.
Durkin has known Atkins for years and recruited him long before he arrived at Auburn. That history shaped how Durkin viewed Atkins’ breakout season and why his return carries weight.
“The results of all that is in large part like why you coach,” Durkin said this week during a War Eagle+ interview released on Wednesday. “Meaning this, I’ve known Xavier since he was a young guy in high school and recruited him all along.”
Durkin recruited Atkins before Atkins chose LSU out of high school. Atkins’ decision to transfer to Auburn was in large part because of his relationship with Durkin and Durkin’s belief in what Atkins could become.
ADOB: ATKINS’ RETURN A MASSIVE ADDITION
The 6-foot, 210-pound defender posted impressive numbers throughout his standout season, topping Auburn’s roster with 84 total tackles while recording a conference-leading 17.0 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and adding 9.0 quarterback sacks.
Atkins’ 17.0 tackles for loss set a single season record for an Auburn interior linebacker and represented the highest total by a freshman or sophomore defender since Antonio Coleman’s 18.5 in 2007. Both his tackle and sack numbers placed him third across the SEC, with 13.0 of his tackles for loss occurring during conference games, the most in the league.
All of that production landed Atkins Walter Camp and Football Writers of America Association All-American honors, along with being named First Team All-SEC by the coaches and AP.
Durkin said Atkins’ path makes his success even more rewarding.
“Knowing his background, what he’s come from and some of the hardships he’s had. Then recruiting him to come here as a transfer and hearing him voice to me what he wants to do,” Durkin said. “And you hear people a lot of times say, these are the things I wanna do, what I wanna accomplish.”
The difference, Durkin added, came in the follow-through.
“What this is going to be like, but it’s a whole other thing to then put the action behind it,” he said. “And since day one, since he got here last spring, he has worked to come up with those results. He’s been one of the hardest workers at our practice.”
Atkins is Auburn’s first All-American linebacker since Karlos Dansby in 2003. He is Auburn’s first All-American overall since Roger McCreary in 2021.
Atkins’ rise wasn’t accidental. It was built, day after day, and Durkin said that commitment defined his season.
“He’s just been a guy that’s totally dedicated, motivated to saying this is important and something I wanna get done,” he said. “And then, so to then see that all come to fruition that way is just incredible. That’s what it’s all about.”
With Atkins back, Auburn retains a proven leader and a centerpiece of Durkin’s defense heading into 2026.
**************************
What is Auburn’s outlook at QB going into 2026?
By Peter Rauterkus
al.com
Quarterback is the most important position on the field in football, and it’s the position that has given Auburn the most issues in recent years.
The program hasn’t had consistent quarterback play since Bo Nix transferred after the 2021 season. Under Hugh Freeze, poor play behind center was part of what led to his downfall.
Auburn’s recent lack of success has been a mixture of questionable evaluations and bad development. It came to a head in 2025, when three different quarterbacks started at least one game, and the Tigers’ leading passer, Jackson Arnold, finished with just 1,309 yards.
Alex Golesh has a solid track record with quarterbacks both as a head coach and a coordinator, and Auburn hopes he can bring that with him to the Plains.
With that said, the major question now is what the quarterback room will look like in Golesh’s first season at Auburn.
Arnold, who began 2025 as Auburn’s starter, is the only quarterback as of Thursday morning who is expected to enter the transfer portal. Ashton Daniels, Deuce Knight and incoming freshman Rhys Brush remain, but that doesn’t necessarily mean those three will make up the room next fall.
Daniels and Knight both have decisions to make ahead of the transfer portal opening on Jan. 2. Neither has announced anything publicly since the season ended, but Daniels did comment briefly on his future after the Iron Bowl.
He was asked if he wants to return in 2026, to which he answered, “Absolutely, 100%.” That comment came before Golesh was hired, though, which directly affects Auburn’s outlook at quarterback.
Daniels started three of Auburn’s final four games, and threw for over 350 yards against Vanderbilt, the first time an Auburn quarterback had done that in a game since Nix in 2021.
In four games, Daniels finished the season with 797 passing yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 280 yards and two touchdowns.
With Golesh bringing the majority of his offensive staff with him, it raises the question of whether or not USF quarterback Byrum Brown would follow the staff to Auburn.
Brown was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country this season, throwing for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.
With Brown at the helm, USF finished the regular season second nationally in total yards per game. Auburn hasn’t finished a season higher than 26th in the last 10 years.
Brown hasn’t announced anything publicly about his future yet, but he opted out of USF’s bowl game on Wednesday. Given the season he just had, declaring for the NFL Draft is another option for Brown, but it also wouldn’t be a shock for him to follow the staff to Auburn.
There have been similar situations in recent years, the most notable this season being John Mateer at Oklahoma. His offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, Ben Arbuckle, was hired away from Washington State by the Sooners last offseason, and Mateer eventually entered the portal and went with him.
Diego Pavia is another recent example in the SEC. After starting his career at New Mexico State, he went with offensive coordinator Tim Beck and head coach Jerry Kill to Vanderbilt, where he became arguably the best player in program history.
If Brown follows that same path, it could have an effect on the rest of Auburn’s quarterback room. Daniels has just one year of eligibility remaining, and Brown coming to Auburn would greatly affect his path to becoming the Tigers’ starter in 2026.
The same is true for Knight, but he still has four years of eligibility remaining. However, his upside could attract attention from other schools willing to give him a clearer path to the starting job in 2026, which will be something for Knight to consider over the next month.
There’s not nearly as much tape on Knight as there is on Daniels, but his potential has drawn excitement. He played in two games this season, starting in Auburn’s win over Mercer while Daniels sat out to preserve his redshirt.
Knight impressed in that game, throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 162 yards and four touchdowns on just nine carries.
Golesh was asked about how he’s evaluated Knight and Daniels during a recent interview on The Next Round, and had positive things to say about the freshman.
“I’ve gone back and watched film at the previous spot with Ashton,” Golesh said on The Next Round. “I went back, and shoot, I had Deuce in camp as a freshman. So, I’ve got that memory where I thought, ‘Man, this young man, is going to be incredibly special.’”
What ultimately happens with Auburn’s quarterback room will likely be determined over the next few weeks. The transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2 and will remain open until Jan. 16.
**************************
Auburn's Two Biggest Offensive Needs Heading into Alex Golesh Era
By Dre Gaines
Auburn Daily
With the transfer portal looming on the horizon, the Auburn Tigers are set to lose depth at a few key positions that will need to be filled, once the transfer portal cycle begins on January 2nd, 2026. Here are two key positions the Tigers will need to target in the transfer portal for the offensive side of the ball.
Offensive Line
The Tigers recently gained a verbal commitment from four-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter, who was released from his National Letter of Intent with the Michigan Wolverines after the program's head coach, Sherrone Moore, was dismissed. However, McWhorter alone cannot compensate for what the Tigers are losing to the transfer portal and the departure of outgoing seniors.
The Tigers are losing DeAndre Carter, Seth Wilfred, and Favour Edwin to the transfer portal. They will also be losing senior offensive guard Jeremiah Wright to the NFL Draft, with other seniors such as Mason Murphy, Dillon Wade, and Izavion Miller graduating from the program. Auburn will be losing much of its seniority and experience this offseason and will need to fill gaps across the entire offensive line.
At the center position, starting center Connor Lew tore his ACL midseason last season and will be determined at a later date if he will be ready to return by the time the season is set to begin again. Freshman center Kail Ellis started two games at center for Auburn, but was replaced when the offensive line shifted following Auburn’s loss to the Kentucky Wildcats.
With the offensive line holding a huge question mark across every position, Golesh and his staff will have to attack the portal heavily to fill the gaps in the offensive line.
Wide Receivers
Auburn is set to lose Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson, Horatio Fields, and reserve wide receiver Cam’Ron King to the transfer portal. The Tigers only signed two wide receivers during the national signing day period, leaving roles needing to be filled.
At the time of this writing, wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. has not announced what his plans are. His options are to enter the NFL Draft, enter the transfer portal, or return to Auburn for another season. That leaves Cam Coleman, Bryce Cain, and Singleton (should he return) as the only scholarship wide receivers set to return to the Tigers next season.
Auburn will have to dip into the transfer portal for players who can bring depth to the wide receiver room. The Auburn offense struggled in previous seasons, but most of it was not due to the wide receivers. There are big-name wide receivers, such as Nick Marsh from Michigan State, who will be available when the portal window opens, and Golesh will have to make a splash in the portal to help whomever the quarterback will be for Auburn in 2026.
In all, Auburn is losing many key offensive pieces to the transfer portal. But just as fast as you can lose players, you are now able to replace them in this new age of college football. Offensive linemen and wide receivers are the two biggest positions with question marks attached to their names for the Tigers on the offensive side of the ball heading into 2026.
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Auburn Linebacker Announces Intention to Enter NFL Draft
By Dre Gaines
Auburn Daily
Auburn Tigers linebacker Keyron Crawford has announced his intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft on Tuesday evening, joining fellow Auburn defender Keldrick Faulk as the only two Auburn defenders entering the 2026 NFL Draft, and the third overall Tiger to declare for the draft.
https://twitter.com/KeyronCrawford3/status/2001071070602838072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001071070602838072%7Ctwgr%5E37ced63b9534a2f87586ba54b259786fd6aa4ca3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fcollege%2Fauburn%2Ffootball%2Fauburn-linebacker-announces-intention-enter-nfl-draft
Crawford, a former transfer linebacker from Arkansas State, became one of Auburn’s key defenders during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In 2024, he recorded 22 total tackles. Those numbers improved during his 2025 season, where he recorded 36 total tackles, 28 of which were solo, five sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and one interception.
Crawford earned Third Team All-SEC honors after his performance during the 2025 season, along with his fellow draftee Keldrick Faulk.
During his time at Arkansas State during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he recorded 58 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Crawford was acquired from Arkansas State when he entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season.
Crawford is listed as 6-foot-4, 255 pounds. He was a three-star prospect coming out of high school, according to 247sports.com. Crawford spent most of his time as an edge defender, ranking second on the team in both tackles for loss and sacks.
He also ranked fourth in the SEC with 43 pressures, according to PFF.com. His best outing last season came when the Tigers faced the Baylor Bears, where he recorded a career-high seven tackles, which also included his first career sack at Auburn.
His first and only career interception came from Auburn’s matchup with South Alabama.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Crawford ranked as the 10th-best outside linebacker prospect in the upcoming draft. Meaning he’d likely be a late-round draft pick or an undrafted free agent.
Regardless of where he lands, the NFL will be getting a guy with a huge heart and someone who will rarely be outworked.
“To my lifelong teammates, my brother, who battled alongside me and created unforgettable memories. Thank you. And to Auburn, thank you for welcoming me and making my time there truly worthwhile. With that said, I am excited to announce that I am declaring for the NFL Draft.”
Crawford now enters a stacked draft class filled with lots of talent at the outside linebacker/edge rusher position and will have an opportunity to make his name for himself and Auburn at the next level.
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Former Auburn defensive tackle returns to his original NFL team
By Mark Inabinett
al.com
Former Auburn defensive tackle Marcus Harris returned to the NFL on Wednesday by rejoining the practice squad of his original team, the Houston Texans.
A seventh-round selection of the Texans in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harris returned to Houston after being out of the league since the Buffalo Bills waived him on Aug. 26 in the roster reduction between the preseason the regular season.
The Texans have experienced injury issues at defensive tackle. Tim Settle went on injured reserve on Dec. 4 after a season-ending foot injury, and Mario Edwards followed on Monday after he ruptured a pectoral muscle in Sunday’s 40-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
On Wednesday, Sheldon Rankins with the Texans did not practice because of a knee injury.
Houston’s other depth options at the position include Marlon Davidson, another Auburn standout who is on the Texans’ practice squad. Davidson and Harris were both Alabama prep standouts – Davidson at Greenville and Harris at Park Crossing in Montgomery.
Each NFL team can elevate two members of its practice squad to active status for each game.
Harris didn’t make Houston’s regular-season roster as a rookie, but he remained with the Texans as a member of the practice squad through the first five weeks of the season.
Two days after being released by Houston on Oct. 9 last season, Harris joined the New England Patriots’ practice squad and stayed there the remainder of the season.
Harris re-signed with the Patriots for 2025 on Jan. 6, but New England released him on April 28.
Harris signed with the Bills on June 6.
All-American linebacker announces his return to Auburn in 2026:
https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/12/all-american-linebacker-announces-his-return-to-auburn-in-2026.html
Durkin details Xavier Atkins’ journey, work ethic as star LB will return:
https://www.on3.com/teams/auburn-tigers/news/durkin-details-xavier-atkins-journey-work-ethic-as-star-lb-will-return/
What is Auburn’s outlook at QB going into 2026?:
https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/12/what-is-auburns-outlook-at-qb-going-into-2026.html
Auburn's Two Biggest Offensive Needs Heading into Alex Golesh Era:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/news/auburn-two-biggest-offensive-needs-heading-alex-golesh-era
Auburn Linebacker Announces Intention to Enter NFL Draft:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/auburn-linebacker-announces-intention-enter-nfl-draft
Former Auburn defensive tackle returns to his original NFL team:
https://www.al.com/sports/2025/12/former-auburn-defensive-tackle-returns-to-his-original-nfl-team.html
******************************
By Peter Rauterkus
al.com
Auburn’s first All-American linebacker in over 20 years is returning next season.
Xavier Atkins announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he will remain with Auburn in 2026. The post came on Wednesday afternoon, and read, “Let’s run it back #WDE.”
https://twitter.com/XavierAtkins8/status/2001370561243681115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001370561243681115%7Ctwgr%5E580b3d46cdc7fd5dc1bbcf381dffdfae33b36cbb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.al.com%2Fauburnfootball%2F2025%2F12%2Fall-american-linebacker-announces-his-return-to-auburn-in-2026.html
Atkins isn’t eligible for the NFL Draft, but it’s not uncommon for players to enter the transfer portal after a coaching change. Plus, given his production in 2025, Atkins would have had no shortage of interest from other schools, even if there was no coaching change at Auburn.
The decision from Atkins isn’t surprising, after he told reporters following the Iron Bowl that he planned to return in 2026. Auburn also retained defensive coordinator and linebackers coach DJ Durkin, who played a major part in Atkins’ development.
Atkins was the most productive player on Auburn’s impressive 2025 defense, totaling 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks. The 17 tackles for loss were the most ever by an Auburn inside linebacker and the most by any Auburn underclassman since Antonio Coleman in 2007.
Those numbers earned him First Team All-SEC honors, along with All-America honors from the Walter Camp Foundation, the American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America.
He’s the first major Auburn contributor to announce his plans to return in 2026. That doesn’t necessarily mean others won’t return, but he’s the only one so far to make an announcement.
Fifteen Auburn players are already expected to or have announced their plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2. The most significant announcement came on Tuesday, when starting cornerback Jay Crawford declared his intentions to enter the portal.
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Durkin details Xavier Atkins’ journey, work ethic as star LB will return
By Justin Hokanson
Xavier Atkins is returning to Auburn for another season, giving the Tigers stability at linebacker and keeping one of the SEC’s most productive defenders in place.
Atkins announced his return on Wednesday via social media. He used the phrase “Let’s run it back!” with his social media graphic.
For defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, Atkins’ decision is incredibly meaningful.
Durkin has known Atkins for years and recruited him long before he arrived at Auburn. That history shaped how Durkin viewed Atkins’ breakout season and why his return carries weight.
“The results of all that is in large part like why you coach,” Durkin said this week during a War Eagle+ interview released on Wednesday. “Meaning this, I’ve known Xavier since he was a young guy in high school and recruited him all along.”
Durkin recruited Atkins before Atkins chose LSU out of high school. Atkins’ decision to transfer to Auburn was in large part because of his relationship with Durkin and Durkin’s belief in what Atkins could become.
ADOB: ATKINS’ RETURN A MASSIVE ADDITION
The 6-foot, 210-pound defender posted impressive numbers throughout his standout season, topping Auburn’s roster with 84 total tackles while recording a conference-leading 17.0 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and adding 9.0 quarterback sacks.
Atkins’ 17.0 tackles for loss set a single season record for an Auburn interior linebacker and represented the highest total by a freshman or sophomore defender since Antonio Coleman’s 18.5 in 2007. Both his tackle and sack numbers placed him third across the SEC, with 13.0 of his tackles for loss occurring during conference games, the most in the league.
All of that production landed Atkins Walter Camp and Football Writers of America Association All-American honors, along with being named First Team All-SEC by the coaches and AP.
Durkin said Atkins’ path makes his success even more rewarding.
“Knowing his background, what he’s come from and some of the hardships he’s had. Then recruiting him to come here as a transfer and hearing him voice to me what he wants to do,” Durkin said. “And you hear people a lot of times say, these are the things I wanna do, what I wanna accomplish.”
The difference, Durkin added, came in the follow-through.
“What this is going to be like, but it’s a whole other thing to then put the action behind it,” he said. “And since day one, since he got here last spring, he has worked to come up with those results. He’s been one of the hardest workers at our practice.”
Atkins is Auburn’s first All-American linebacker since Karlos Dansby in 2003. He is Auburn’s first All-American overall since Roger McCreary in 2021.
Atkins’ rise wasn’t accidental. It was built, day after day, and Durkin said that commitment defined his season.
“He’s just been a guy that’s totally dedicated, motivated to saying this is important and something I wanna get done,” he said. “And then, so to then see that all come to fruition that way is just incredible. That’s what it’s all about.”
With Atkins back, Auburn retains a proven leader and a centerpiece of Durkin’s defense heading into 2026.
**************************
What is Auburn’s outlook at QB going into 2026?
By Peter Rauterkus
al.com
Quarterback is the most important position on the field in football, and it’s the position that has given Auburn the most issues in recent years.
The program hasn’t had consistent quarterback play since Bo Nix transferred after the 2021 season. Under Hugh Freeze, poor play behind center was part of what led to his downfall.
Auburn’s recent lack of success has been a mixture of questionable evaluations and bad development. It came to a head in 2025, when three different quarterbacks started at least one game, and the Tigers’ leading passer, Jackson Arnold, finished with just 1,309 yards.
Alex Golesh has a solid track record with quarterbacks both as a head coach and a coordinator, and Auburn hopes he can bring that with him to the Plains.
With that said, the major question now is what the quarterback room will look like in Golesh’s first season at Auburn.
Arnold, who began 2025 as Auburn’s starter, is the only quarterback as of Thursday morning who is expected to enter the transfer portal. Ashton Daniels, Deuce Knight and incoming freshman Rhys Brush remain, but that doesn’t necessarily mean those three will make up the room next fall.
Daniels and Knight both have decisions to make ahead of the transfer portal opening on Jan. 2. Neither has announced anything publicly since the season ended, but Daniels did comment briefly on his future after the Iron Bowl.
He was asked if he wants to return in 2026, to which he answered, “Absolutely, 100%.” That comment came before Golesh was hired, though, which directly affects Auburn’s outlook at quarterback.
Daniels started three of Auburn’s final four games, and threw for over 350 yards against Vanderbilt, the first time an Auburn quarterback had done that in a game since Nix in 2021.
In four games, Daniels finished the season with 797 passing yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 280 yards and two touchdowns.
With Golesh bringing the majority of his offensive staff with him, it raises the question of whether or not USF quarterback Byrum Brown would follow the staff to Auburn.
Brown was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country this season, throwing for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.
With Brown at the helm, USF finished the regular season second nationally in total yards per game. Auburn hasn’t finished a season higher than 26th in the last 10 years.
Brown hasn’t announced anything publicly about his future yet, but he opted out of USF’s bowl game on Wednesday. Given the season he just had, declaring for the NFL Draft is another option for Brown, but it also wouldn’t be a shock for him to follow the staff to Auburn.
There have been similar situations in recent years, the most notable this season being John Mateer at Oklahoma. His offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, Ben Arbuckle, was hired away from Washington State by the Sooners last offseason, and Mateer eventually entered the portal and went with him.
Diego Pavia is another recent example in the SEC. After starting his career at New Mexico State, he went with offensive coordinator Tim Beck and head coach Jerry Kill to Vanderbilt, where he became arguably the best player in program history.
If Brown follows that same path, it could have an effect on the rest of Auburn’s quarterback room. Daniels has just one year of eligibility remaining, and Brown coming to Auburn would greatly affect his path to becoming the Tigers’ starter in 2026.
The same is true for Knight, but he still has four years of eligibility remaining. However, his upside could attract attention from other schools willing to give him a clearer path to the starting job in 2026, which will be something for Knight to consider over the next month.
There’s not nearly as much tape on Knight as there is on Daniels, but his potential has drawn excitement. He played in two games this season, starting in Auburn’s win over Mercer while Daniels sat out to preserve his redshirt.
Knight impressed in that game, throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 162 yards and four touchdowns on just nine carries.
Golesh was asked about how he’s evaluated Knight and Daniels during a recent interview on The Next Round, and had positive things to say about the freshman.
“I’ve gone back and watched film at the previous spot with Ashton,” Golesh said on The Next Round. “I went back, and shoot, I had Deuce in camp as a freshman. So, I’ve got that memory where I thought, ‘Man, this young man, is going to be incredibly special.’”
What ultimately happens with Auburn’s quarterback room will likely be determined over the next few weeks. The transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2 and will remain open until Jan. 16.
**************************
Auburn's Two Biggest Offensive Needs Heading into Alex Golesh Era
By Dre Gaines
Auburn Daily
With the transfer portal looming on the horizon, the Auburn Tigers are set to lose depth at a few key positions that will need to be filled, once the transfer portal cycle begins on January 2nd, 2026. Here are two key positions the Tigers will need to target in the transfer portal for the offensive side of the ball.
Offensive Line
The Tigers recently gained a verbal commitment from four-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter, who was released from his National Letter of Intent with the Michigan Wolverines after the program's head coach, Sherrone Moore, was dismissed. However, McWhorter alone cannot compensate for what the Tigers are losing to the transfer portal and the departure of outgoing seniors.
The Tigers are losing DeAndre Carter, Seth Wilfred, and Favour Edwin to the transfer portal. They will also be losing senior offensive guard Jeremiah Wright to the NFL Draft, with other seniors such as Mason Murphy, Dillon Wade, and Izavion Miller graduating from the program. Auburn will be losing much of its seniority and experience this offseason and will need to fill gaps across the entire offensive line.
At the center position, starting center Connor Lew tore his ACL midseason last season and will be determined at a later date if he will be ready to return by the time the season is set to begin again. Freshman center Kail Ellis started two games at center for Auburn, but was replaced when the offensive line shifted following Auburn’s loss to the Kentucky Wildcats.
With the offensive line holding a huge question mark across every position, Golesh and his staff will have to attack the portal heavily to fill the gaps in the offensive line.
Wide Receivers
Auburn is set to lose Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson, Horatio Fields, and reserve wide receiver Cam’Ron King to the transfer portal. The Tigers only signed two wide receivers during the national signing day period, leaving roles needing to be filled.
At the time of this writing, wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. has not announced what his plans are. His options are to enter the NFL Draft, enter the transfer portal, or return to Auburn for another season. That leaves Cam Coleman, Bryce Cain, and Singleton (should he return) as the only scholarship wide receivers set to return to the Tigers next season.
Auburn will have to dip into the transfer portal for players who can bring depth to the wide receiver room. The Auburn offense struggled in previous seasons, but most of it was not due to the wide receivers. There are big-name wide receivers, such as Nick Marsh from Michigan State, who will be available when the portal window opens, and Golesh will have to make a splash in the portal to help whomever the quarterback will be for Auburn in 2026.
In all, Auburn is losing many key offensive pieces to the transfer portal. But just as fast as you can lose players, you are now able to replace them in this new age of college football. Offensive linemen and wide receivers are the two biggest positions with question marks attached to their names for the Tigers on the offensive side of the ball heading into 2026.
****************************
Auburn Linebacker Announces Intention to Enter NFL Draft
By Dre Gaines
Auburn Daily
Auburn Tigers linebacker Keyron Crawford has announced his intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft on Tuesday evening, joining fellow Auburn defender Keldrick Faulk as the only two Auburn defenders entering the 2026 NFL Draft, and the third overall Tiger to declare for the draft.
https://twitter.com/KeyronCrawford3/status/2001071070602838072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001071070602838072%7Ctwgr%5E37ced63b9534a2f87586ba54b259786fd6aa4ca3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fcollege%2Fauburn%2Ffootball%2Fauburn-linebacker-announces-intention-enter-nfl-draft
Crawford, a former transfer linebacker from Arkansas State, became one of Auburn’s key defenders during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In 2024, he recorded 22 total tackles. Those numbers improved during his 2025 season, where he recorded 36 total tackles, 28 of which were solo, five sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and one interception.
Crawford earned Third Team All-SEC honors after his performance during the 2025 season, along with his fellow draftee Keldrick Faulk.
During his time at Arkansas State during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he recorded 58 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Crawford was acquired from Arkansas State when he entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season.
Crawford is listed as 6-foot-4, 255 pounds. He was a three-star prospect coming out of high school, according to 247sports.com. Crawford spent most of his time as an edge defender, ranking second on the team in both tackles for loss and sacks.
He also ranked fourth in the SEC with 43 pressures, according to PFF.com. His best outing last season came when the Tigers faced the Baylor Bears, where he recorded a career-high seven tackles, which also included his first career sack at Auburn.
His first and only career interception came from Auburn’s matchup with South Alabama.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Crawford ranked as the 10th-best outside linebacker prospect in the upcoming draft. Meaning he’d likely be a late-round draft pick or an undrafted free agent.
Regardless of where he lands, the NFL will be getting a guy with a huge heart and someone who will rarely be outworked.
“To my lifelong teammates, my brother, who battled alongside me and created unforgettable memories. Thank you. And to Auburn, thank you for welcoming me and making my time there truly worthwhile. With that said, I am excited to announce that I am declaring for the NFL Draft.”
Crawford now enters a stacked draft class filled with lots of talent at the outside linebacker/edge rusher position and will have an opportunity to make his name for himself and Auburn at the next level.
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Former Auburn defensive tackle returns to his original NFL team
By Mark Inabinett
al.com
Former Auburn defensive tackle Marcus Harris returned to the NFL on Wednesday by rejoining the practice squad of his original team, the Houston Texans.
A seventh-round selection of the Texans in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harris returned to Houston after being out of the league since the Buffalo Bills waived him on Aug. 26 in the roster reduction between the preseason the regular season.
The Texans have experienced injury issues at defensive tackle. Tim Settle went on injured reserve on Dec. 4 after a season-ending foot injury, and Mario Edwards followed on Monday after he ruptured a pectoral muscle in Sunday’s 40-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
On Wednesday, Sheldon Rankins with the Texans did not practice because of a knee injury.
Houston’s other depth options at the position include Marlon Davidson, another Auburn standout who is on the Texans’ practice squad. Davidson and Harris were both Alabama prep standouts – Davidson at Greenville and Harris at Park Crossing in Montgomery.
Each NFL team can elevate two members of its practice squad to active status for each game.
Harris didn’t make Houston’s regular-season roster as a rookie, but he remained with the Texans as a member of the practice squad through the first five weeks of the season.
Two days after being released by Houston on Oct. 9 last season, Harris joined the New England Patriots’ practice squad and stayed there the remainder of the season.
Harris re-signed with the Patriots for 2025 on Jan. 6, but New England released him on April 28.
Harris signed with the Bills on June 6.
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