The Auburn football program suffered a few losses in the second transfer portal window, losing players like TJ Finley, Dylan Brooks, Landen King, and more. While none of the players were key pieces, some left needs for depth at their position.
King, who played both tight end and receiver during his time on the Plains, first entered the portal at the end of the 2022 season, but ultimately removed his name and came back to Auburn for the spring. When the portal opened again in April, he decided again to transfer. He will continue his collegiate career—with three years of eligibility left—at Utah.
As a high school prospect, King was a 3-star tight end and was originally committed to Texas before flipping and signing with the Tigers as a member of the 2021 class. Though he redshirted in the 2021 season, he saw more game action in 2022. Over 11 games in two seasons, King tallied six passes for 83 yards and one touchdown, which was a one-handed catch in the 2021 Iron Bowl.
Committed! Lets get to work!!!🥷🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/uroeyiIroa
— Landen King (@Landen_King3) May 10, 2023
Locked on Utes host JT Wistrcill believes that there is a solid role in Utah’s offense for King despite his lack of production on the Plains, per Auburn Daily:
"“This is a home run for Utah,” Wistrcill said. “I think he will play this season. I think he’s going to end up being the third tight end. I think it’s going to be Brant Kuithe leading this team in receiving yards, Thomas Yasmine fits somewhere in the top four regarding receiving yards.”"
King is one of eight transfers that have joined the Utes following the 2022 season, and is their only transfer tight end so far. He is one of 11 Auburn football players to enter the transfer portal this spring in April.