After signing 25 freshmen on WednesdayAuburn is likely done (although anything is possible until Friday) adding players during the early signing period.

This completes the first part of the team’s 2025 roster construction, with the focus now shifting to the transfer portal when it opens on December 9th.

Hugh Freeze said during his press conference on the day of signing that the staff has already conducted exit interviews with the players and that they “kind of know” where the list is. A few positions stand out more than others, which is why we’ve narrowed the list down to five.

Here are Auburn’s five most sought-after positions in the transfer portal:

Strategist

Current players: SO. Hank Brown, RS Father. Walker White, P. Two Knights

Freeze made it clear Wednesday that Auburn would pursue a quarterback in the transfer portal. With Payton Thorne out of eligibility and Holden Geriner Entering the transfer portal, Auburn currently has just three scholarship quarterbacks left.

Most teams have at least four on their roster, and Freeze said Auburn is considering doing the same. With the lack of starting experience in Auburn’s current quarterback room, this search will likely be for a player who can start right away.

Several high-profile quarterbacks such as Jackson Arnold, Miller Moss, Thomas Castellanos, Kaidon Salter and others have already announced their intentions to enter the portal and more could follow in the coming days and weeks.

Linebacker

Current players: SO. Demarcus Riddick, Jr. Robert Woodyard Jr., Jr. Laquan Robinson, RS Fr. DJ Barber, Fr. Elijah Melendez, Fr. Jakaleb Faulk, Fr. Bryce Deas

Right now, Auburn has numbers in its linebacker room, but lacks experience. Riddick is the only player with any real starting experience and even he doesn’t have much.

Freeze mentioned on signing day that freshmen linebackers will likely have to play early due to the lack of depth at the position, but they are unlikely to be relied upon heavily as freshmen .

Fresno State transfer Phoenix Jackson already reportedly has a visit scheduled with Auburn, according to Chris Hummer of 247Sports. Jackson collected 49 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble with Fresno State in 2024 and had the third-highest coverage grade among linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus.

Offensive tackle

Current players: Sr. Dillon Wade, Sr. Jaden Muskrat, So. Seth Wilfred, then. Tyler Johnson, then. Dylan Senda, RS P. Favor Edwin, Father. Broderick Shull

What makes offensive tackle a potentially huge need is that Wade’s status is up in the air. He could return for another season, but that’s not guaranteed. Even if he stays, Auburn will likely look to add another immediate starter at tackle.

There aren’t many big names at offensive tackle entering the portal yet, but that will likely change over the coming days and weeks. Once there is a larger pool of offensive linemen in the portal, expect Auburn to emerge as a major player.

Tight end

Current players: Sr. Brandon Frazier, then. Rico Walker, Fr. Hollis Davidson, Fr. Ryan Ghea

Auburn has the chance to put Frazier back on a medical redshirt, otherwise it would likely need multiple tight ends in the transfer portal. Major contributors, Rivaldo Fairweather and Luke Deal, have both exhausted their eligibility, leaving a void in the room.

Frazier, entering his sixth year, will likely be the primary option, but Auburn will likely look to add more experience around him. Freeze mentioned him as such on Wednesday, emphasizing his plans to add a tight end in the portal to allow younger players to develop.

Run back

Current players: Sr. Damari Alston, Jr. Jeremiah Cobb, Fr. Alvin Henderson

The departure of Jarquez Hunter leaves Auburn without the majority of its production on the field in 2024. Alston and Cobb both had a share of carries during the season, but neither broke out.

They could still be the two backs Auburn leans on in 2025, but the Tigers will likely add a transfer to add a fourth option alongside them and Henderson, the only signing running back.

Currently, the biggest running back name to watch in the portal is Louisiana-Monroe transfer Ahmad Hardy. He announced his intention to enter the portal on Tuesday and has totaled 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on @peter_rauterkus or send him an email to [email protected]m