Auburn’s wide receiver room has experienced another change ahead of the upcoming season, with redshirt freshman no longer part of the Tigers’ football program. The departure was confirmed Tuesday morning after Smith had been absent from recent practices for the past couple of weeks.
According to reports, Smith’s exit was not connected to any disciplinary issue. Instead, the decision was described as a personal choice made by the receiver himself. His departure comes shortly after a similar situation involving his twin brother, Duke Smith, who was dismissed from the team in June.
A former three-star prospect from Selma, Alabama, Erick Smith arrived at Auburn with hopes of developing into a contributor in the Tigers’ receiver rotation. However, he did not see action during his true freshman season and remained a developmental piece as he worked to earn a larger role within the program.
The loss adds another adjustment for Auburn’s wide receiver depth chart as the team continues preparing for the 2026 season. The Tigers have recently seen multiple players move in different directions, creating additional questions about the depth behind the team’s top options. Bryce Cain, another young receiver competing for playing time, transitioned to cornerback last week in an effort to provide help on the defensive side of the ball.
Auburn also brought in transfer receiver Tray Taylor from Troy to strengthen the position group. Taylor has been practicing with the Tigers, but head coach Alex Golesh revealed Monday that the veteran wideout is currently not cleared to compete. Like several other college athletes attempting to receive an additional year of eligibility, Taylor is awaiting a resolution and will need to pursue his own federal injunction after a previous blanket ruling that benefited players seeking extra eligibility was overturned.
With roster movement continuing across college football, Auburn is now working through another round of adjustments before the season begins. The Tigers have entered their mock game week, using practices to replicate the structure and intensity of a real game week. The team is focusing on preparation for its season opener against Baylor, with the week set to conclude with a simulated game inside Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.
As Auburn enters the final stages of preseason preparation under Golesh, every roster decision and position battle could have an impact on the team’s early-season plans. The coaching staff will now look for younger players to step up and fill the opportunities created by recent departures.