Auburn football is heading toward a major reset as the program prepares for a new head coach and an almost entirely rebuilt coaching staff. With so much transition ahead, it is expected that the roster will look very different next season. The incoming coach’s first challenge will be protecting the most valuable players on the team. Retaining standout talents such as Cam Coleman and Deuce Knight will be essential, even as decisions must be made about which players exploring the transfer portal the Tigers can manage to lose without damaging their long term success.
As Auburn prepares to host Alabama this weekend and honors its senior class for the final time in Jordan Hare Stadium, there are several non seniors who may also be preparing for their final appearance in an Auburn uniform. These players could move on after the season as the program undergoes significant change. (Keldric Faulk is not included here because he was already recognized during Senior Day last weekend.)
Jackson Arnold, quarterback
The partnership between Arnold and former coach Hugh Freeze never found its footing. Arnold lost his starting job, and Freeze is no longer with the program. Now a junior, Arnold still has eligibility left and the chance to revive his career elsewhere, but Auburn is no longer the place for that. With Ashton Daniels and Deuce Knight expected to return, Arnold would remain far down the depth chart. A new environment appears necessary for him once again.
Towns McGough, kicker
McGough’s situation has been one of the more surprising storylines of the past two seasons. After a freshman year in which he made only five of twelve field goal attempts, his confidence as a kicker seemed to evaporate. The Auburn High School product clearly has a powerful leg, but he needs to rebuild belief in himself. That growth may happen at another program where he can reset and regain stability.
Xavier Chaplin, offensive lineman
Chaplin becomes another addition to the list of left tackles who transferred to Auburn with the hope of anchoring the offensive line, only to struggle with consistency. The former Virginia Tech player has dealt with frequent false start penalties, which are connected to a hearing condition. His difficulty staying disciplined has at times been more damaging than helpful, especially in protecting Auburn’s quarterbacks.
Joe Phillips, edge rusher
The native of Shorter, Alabama, has struggled to earn any meaningful role during his first two years with the Tigers. He has yet to record any statistics this season and has not been able to break into the rotation, making a transfer a strong possibility.
Antonio Coleman, defensive lineman
Coleman, a freshman from Saraland High School, was suspended indefinitely in August for violating team rules and has not been close to seeing the field. Although a new coaching staff might give him a chance to improve his standing, Coleman has a history of frequently switching commitments as a recruit. It would not be surprising if he seeks a clean slate at a different program where he can start over and work toward playing time.
