The Auburn football program adds its first transfer cornerback in Raion Strader
The Auburn football program has picked up its fifth commitment from the NCAA transfer portal. Former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold committed to the Tigers on Saturday, setting off a domino effect that has resulted in key position players committing, as well.
This weekend the Tigers hosted former Miami (OH) cornerback Raion Strader, widely considered to be one of the best transfer cornerbacks available. Strader told Auburn Rivals this weekend he had interest in five schools — Ole Miss, Auburn, Virginia, Arkansas, and Iowa — but chose to commit to Auburn after visiting only Ole Miss and the Plains.
Strader toured the campus and the football facilities over the weekend and spent time with Auburn football cornerbacks coach Wesley "Crime" McGriff. He bonded with Coach Crime and enjoyed the family atmosphere he experienced on the Plains.
"Coach Crime really is one-of-one, you know, you don't really find so many people like him," Strader said, per Auburn Rivals. "Great coach, real, you know, technical guy. I really like him...He just told me he was going to be on me from day one til I get up out of there. And, you know, it's never going to change. He's always going to make sure I'm good on and off the field. And I really feel him on that message."
Strader became an instant impact player for Miami (OH), putting up 57 tackles, 13 pass deflections, one interception and 1.5 sacks for the Redhawks as a freshman. As a sophomore in 2024, Strader recorded 53 tackles, 19 pass deflections and two interceptions. He is ranked as the #5 cornerback in the transfer portal and has two years of eligibility left.
The transfer portal is open Dec. 9 - Dec. 28, and the Tigers will continue to recruit players during the window.