Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh is making waves in the transfer portal. In just the last 24 hours, the Tigers have added three high-profile players who could instantly reshape the team’s 2026 outlook. With Golesh in his first year at the helm, these moves demonstrate a bold strategy to combine talent, experience, and familiarity with his coaching staff. Fans and analysts alike are taking notice.
The additions come at crucial positions where Auburn needs depth and playmakers. By targeting players who either redshirted or saw limited action at their previous programs, Golesh is bringing in athletes ready to make an immediate impact. This approach not only strengthens the roster but also gives the Tigers a potential edge in the highly competitive SEC landscape.
The buzz around the Tigers’ portal activity has grown exponentially. These moves signal Auburn’s intent to aggressively compete in 2026, leveraging relationships Golesh built during his tenure at USF. With each new addition, the excitement among the Auburn faithful continues to mount, as they anticipate how these athletes will translate their previous experience into big plays on the Plains.
The three latest signees are Walter Mathis Jr., a defensive tackle from LSU who appeared in 12 games last season; TJ Hedrick, an offensive lineman from Ole Miss who redshirted as a freshman; and Scrap Richardson, a cornerback from Notre Dame who originally played wide receiver. All three bring multiple years of eligibility and, in many cases, prior familiarity with Golesh or his staff, making them particularly valuable for the Tigers’ roster-building plans.
As the portal window closes, Auburn now boasts 28 incoming transfers, many with the potential to make an immediate impact. Golesh’s strategy of targeting familiar, high-upside players seems to be paying off, setting the stage for a dramatic 2026 season. With these jaw-dropping additions, the Tigers are positioning themselves as serious contenders, and college football fans across the country are watching closely to see if Auburn can turn transfer portal success into on-field dominance.