Auburn football transfer portal QB updates: Big swing target commits to Boise, Cam Ward NFL-bound
The latest Auburn football transfer portal updates include a host of signal-callers who opted for schools other than the Plains. Not that the Tigers were ever considered a strong lean for any of them, to be clear.
Swing-for-the-fences Auburn football target chooses Boise State
Malachi Nelson, considered a swing-for-the-fences type target, committed to Boise State on January 6 after the Los Angeles area native left Lincoln Riley and USC without their natural Caleb Williams successor. Nelson didn't sign up for cold winters in the Big Ten, and now moves to a Mountain West welcoming Oregon State, who the Broncos will play at home in 2024, and Wazzu to the conference.
Malachi Nelson commits to Boise State. He’s the former No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2023 and the highest rated player in Boise history. https://t.co/zQLTofUbyW
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 7, 2024
Intriguing Liberty target decides to return to Lynchburg
Kaidon Salter decided to enter the transfer portal and immediately withdraw his name, setting up a return to Liberty in 2024, as On3's team reported.
"Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter has withdrawn from the NCAA transfer portal, On3 has learned," On3's Nick Schultz prefaced before saying, "The decision comes one day after he officially entered the portal.
"On3’s Pete Nakos reported part of Salter’s decision to return to Liberty is his fit with the program. Prior to his withdrawal, Salter checked in as the No. 20-ranked transfer to enter the portal so far this cycle, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings."
Cam Ward chooses NFL after Auburn football makes late push
Cam Ward opted for the NFL on New Year's Day 2024 after transferring and flirting with Miami, FSU, and towards the end of his portal recruitment, Auburn. Interestingly enough, Ward's recruitment may not be 100% over, though.
As ESPN's Kyle Bonagura notes, Ward can still return to college for his final year of eligibility due to not signing with an agent and instead having his father represent him.
"By not signing with an agent, Ward maintains the option to reverse course and use his final year of college eligibility," Bonagura prefaced before saying, "He has until Jan. 15 to file paperwork with the NFL that would make him eligible for the draft, which begins on April 25."
Stay tuned to this one. There could be another twist or two in the works.