Despite placing a large focus on roster retention, the Auburn Tigers are set to lose a big piece of their defensive line to the transfer portal. Starting defensive tackle Malik Blocton announced his intention to part ways with the program on Thursday.
Blocton shared the announcement on his X account and thanked defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams and defensive coordinator DJ Durkin in the message. Although both coaches were retained for next season by new head coach Alex Golesh, Blocton is still planning to transfer.
Thank You Auburn🦅 @Madhousefit pic.twitter.com/lZljFiv8I4
— THE REAPER⚰️ (@MalikBlocton) December 18, 2025
The sophomore defensive tackle spent two seasons on the Plains after signing with the Tigers in the recruiting class of 2024. From Pike Road, Alabama, Blocton was a 3-star recruit out of high school and was the No. 27 player out of his home state.
Over the past two seasons, Blocton played more snaps (413) than any other player at his position. In 2025, he started in eight games and played in all 12, racking up 18 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. He is the younger brother of former Auburn football defensive tackle Marcus Harris.
Blocton is the fifteenth player and fifth defensive player so far to announce his intentions to enter the transfer portal once it opens in January. He is one of the more important players to have hit the portal so far, in the same category as defensive back Jay Crawford.
The Jan. 2 through Jan. 16 transfer portal window is the only time players can enter the transfer portal unless their team hires a new coach after Jan. 2. Even graduate athletes are now limited to the January portal, and there is no spring portal window.