Auburn fan-favorite transfer includes shocking thank you in departing message

Auburn football transfer Jeffrey M’Ba included a shocking thank you in his departing message from the Plains — that being fired former head coach Bryan Harsin. Given Harsin that recruited M’Ba, it’s not undeserving. But M’Ba is one of the few players to mention a man who’s essentially persona non grata among the Auburn family these days.

“I am grateful to have been a part of the Auburn Tigers community,” M’ba prefaced before saying, “My time in Auburn has taught me lessons that extend far beyond the football field. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Coach (Bryan) Harsin for recruiting and giving me the opportunity to play at Auburn. Additionally, I want to thank the entire new Auburn staff for giving me the opportunity to play under their leadership.”

Absolutely nothing but love needs to be sent M’Ba’s way for his heartfelt message to the Auburn family.

“To my teammates, thank you for always being by my side; you guys have become family to me on and off the field,” M’Ba wrote. “Without you, I don’t think I will be able to make it this far. A huge thanks to Dom (Studzinski) and the entire strength coaching staff for helping me reach a new level on the field. Most importantly, I would like to thank the Auburn community for embracing and supporting me throughout my time here. I never felt anything but real love from you since day 1. You are all a big family and made me a part of it. I will always remember and appreciate you.”

Auburn football transfer was expected to be ‘key piece’ in 2023

What makes the fan-favorite’s departure so shocking was that he was ticketed for a bigger role in his second year. AL.com’s Tom Green relayed that M’Ba was expected to be a key piece for Auburn football in 2023.

“M’ba is the third player to exit the program since the start of spring practice, joining reserve linebackers Kameron Brown and Desmond Tisdol, and the first to depart since A-Day,” Green prefaced before saying, “Unlike those two reserve linebackers, M’ba was expected to be a key piece in Auburn’s defense this season after settling in at defensive end this spring.”

M’Ba was projected by 247Sports’ Chris Singletary to be a Power Five starter.