Portal Window Closes: The "Great Reset" at Auburn Defined by Mass Exodus and Strategic Additions
Iron Bowl History Staff
Recruiting Desk
As the December transfer portal window officially snaps shut today, December 28, the Auburn landscape looks drastically different than it did just three weeks ago. Head Coach Alex Golesh's first offseason is being defined by a historic roster turnover, with over 20 players departing and key reinforcements arriving.
Notable Departures
- Xavier Chaplin (OT) - Starting Left Tackle
- Perry Thompson (WR) - Former 5-Star Recruit
- Donovan Starr (CB) - Freshman Starter
- Keionte Scott (DB) - Veteran Leader
- DeAndre Carter (OL)
- Cam'Ron King (WR)
- Kayin Lee (CB)
Key Arrivals
- Ashton Daniels (QB) - Stanford Transfer
- Eric Singleton Jr. (WR) - Georgia Tech Speedster
- Taye Seymore (S) - Georgia Tech
- Preston Howard (TE) - Maryland
The Departures: Clearing the Deck
The volume of departures is staggering but perhaps necessary for a complete cultural reset. The loss of Xavier Chaplin is the most significant on-field blow; the left tackle had been a stabilizing force on an inconsistent line. However, Golesh made it clear in his introductory press conference that "everyone must earn their seat," and it appears many holdovers from the previous regime opted for fresh starts elsewhere.
The secondary has been particularly decimated, with starters Donovan Starr and Keionte Scott both entering the portal. This leaves Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkin with a massive rebuilding project in the defensive backfield for spring practice.
The Arrivals: Golesh's Guys
While the exit door has been revolving, Auburn has secured critical commitments to stop the bleeding. The headline addition is quarterback Ashton Daniels from Stanford. Daniels brings Power 4 starting experience and a dual-threat capability that fits Golesh's veers-and-shoot influences better than the existing roster options.
Adding Eric Singleton Jr. gives the offense an immediate vertical threat to replace the departing Thompson. Singleton was a standout at Georgia Tech and fits the mold of the explosive playmakers Golesh utilized at USF and Tennessee.
What's Next?
With the window closing, the roster is "locked" until the spring portal opens in April. For Auburn, the next few months will be about integrating the new faces and identifying which remaining players buy into Golesh's vision. The sheer number of scholarships available means Auburn will likely be active again in the spring, potentially hunting for offensive linemen to replace Chaplin and Carter.