In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, the football program gets an 'A' grade in the transfer portal, and Bruce Pearl talks about respecting the Tigers' opponents
There were a lot of areas of need for the Auburn football program following the 2024 season, and even with a loaded recruiting class of 2025 on its way in, it was important for head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff to do well in the transfer portal.
17 players transferred out of Auburn football, but 16 new players committed to the Tigers from the portal, including a trio of new quarterbacks, some reinforcements in the trenches, and a stellar wide receiver. According to 247Sports, Auburn is No. 3 in the SEC in transfer portal rankings, and the Tigers were awarded an 'A' for their haul.
"Auburn ranked No. 71 in the nation in scoring offense this season but looks much improved on that side of the ball after the first transfer portal window," wrote 247Sports' Grant Hughes. "The Tigers added former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) and will field one of the best-receiving corps in the SEC next season after adding two top 10 portal wideouts to a room that features an elite young talent in Cam Coleman. Sought-after offensive tackles Xavier Chaplin (Virginia Tech) and Mason Murphy (USC) checked massive boxes for the Tigers."
Bruce Pearl on respecting foes
The Auburn basketball team has had a legendary run so far this season. With the SEC possibly playing the best basketball it has ever played, the Tigers face ranked opponents week after week and continue to pull out wins in the toughest of environments.
According to head coach Bruce Pearl, his team's success can be credited to preparation and the fact that the team has not gotten lax with their No. 1 ranking.
“I think we really respect our opponent,” Pearl said, per Auburn Rivals. “You see the way the guys are dialed in, listening. Of course, Steven Pearl had a phenomenal scout tonight. Just did a phenomenal job.”
The Tigers have shown why they deserve to be ranked as the best team in the nation in multiple matchups but will have to continue to take their preparation seriously to continue to succeed.