Auburn football player named to Outland Trophy watch list

When head coach Hugh Freeze took the job last November, he knew there was a lot to be done to the Auburn football roster. With the recruiting struggles from the past few years, it was clear that Freeze would need to focus on high school athletes but lean heavily on the transfer portal in his first year on the Plains.

That being said, there are over 40 new faces on the Tigers’ 2023 roster, from incoming freshmen to JUCO players to new transfers. Many of the newcomers are expected to make an instant impact on the field this fall on both the offense and defense.

One of the incoming transfers earning a lot of hype in the offseason is defensive lineman Justin Rogers, who was previously a four-year starter at Kentucky. Earlier this week, Rogers was named to the 2023 Outland Trophy watch list.

About the Outland Trophy

Created in 1946, the Outland Trophy is the third-oldest major college football award. Dr. John Outland presented the Football Writers Association of America with a financial contribution to initiate the award, and since then the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football.

The watch list is made up of 91 players who have potential to be the best interior lineman in the 2023 season. On the list are 34 offensive tackles, 24 defensive tackles, 24 guards, and 12 centers.

The 2023 Outland Trophy winner will be selected from three finalists who made the 2023 FWAA All-American Team, and will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN in December.

How many Auburn football players have won the Outland Trophy?

Two Auburn football players have previously won the Outland Trophy. In 1958, guard Zeke Smith was the Outland Trophy winner, and in 1988 defensive tackle Tracy Rocker won the award. Depending on how Justin Rogers’ 2023 season goes, he could be the third Tiger to become an Outland Trophy recipient.