Auburn football didn’t spend Easter hunting for eggs; instead, the Tigers focused on finding talent in the college football transfer portal, strengthening their front seven.
Head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff secured two new defenders. Linebacker/edge rusher was the first to join the Southeastern Conference program, according to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports. Shortly after, at 2:53 p.m. ET, Auburn added Liberty defensive tackle , per Pete Nakos of On3.
These additions come after a significant setback for the Tigers, as they lost safety Terrance Love to the transfer portal last Saturday. Now, Auburn is enhancing its front seven with experienced players, following the team’s spring showcase game.
Closer look at new front seven additions at Auburn
Hardy joins Auburn as a senior from Liberty. He began the season on the Lombardi Award Preseason watch list, which recognizes the nation’s top lineman or linebacker.
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound Hardy departs Liberty with 54 total tackles over three seasons, including 22 solo tackles. He also recorded one pass breakup in each of his three years.
Hardy is most recognized for helping lead Liberty to its first-ever Fiesta Bowl appearance in 2023. He played a key role on a defense that ranked 24th nationally against the run and 21st in takeaways, with the Flames finishing the season 13-1.
Wheatland leaves Maryland as a junior, having posted career-best numbers in College Park. The 6-foot-1, 227-pound linebacker totaled 42 tackles, 24 solo stops, four sacks, and two pass breakups, starting in 11 games for the Terrapins. His standout performance came against USC, where he recorded seven tackles in the October 19 upset win over the Trojans.
Both players will join a defense that ranked ninth overall among SEC teams, allowing 330.8 yards per game. Their goal will be to help strengthen a team that finished with a 5-7 record last season.