When new head coach Alex Golesh arrived on the Plains, he was quickly tasked with rebuilding the entire Auburn Tigers quarterback room. Jackson Arnold, Ashton Daniels and Deuce Knight all entered the transfer portal and have committed to new teams.
Since Golesh's hiring, getting former USF quarterback Byrum Brown on the Plains was the top priority, and he signed with the Tigers after spending last weekend in Auburn on a visit. Brown's commitment was preceded by another former USF quarterback— Locklan Hewitt— and 3-star quarterback Rhys Brush signed with the Tigers in the class of 2026.
Over the weekend, Golesh and his staff completed the new-look quarterback room with the commitment of former Oregon State quarterback Tristan Ti'a, who will likely play backup to Brown. He redshirted the 2025 season, but played in three games to end the year for the Beavers. He recorded 385 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.
A member of Oregon State's recruiting class of 2025, Ti'a was ranked as the No. 21 quarterback and is originally from Amador Valley, California. He will have all four years of eligibility once arriving on the Plains.
With the new NCAA transfer portal rules, there is only one window for all athletes, including graduate transfers, to utilize, from Jan. 2 to Jan. 16. Ti'a is the 16th transfer portal player to sign with the Tigers so far.