The Auburn Tigers’ defensive front is a major concern, and it’s essential that they find help in the transfer portal. The recent signing of Dallas Walker IV, a former Western Kentucky and Texas A&M defensive tackle, is a step in the right direction, but the Tigers still need more talent to bolster their defensive tackle depth chart.
One of the primary issues facing Auburn’s defense is the lack of interior pass rush. The Tigers finished ninth in the SEC in sacks with 28 overall, and none of their defensive tackles finished the 2025 season with more than 1.5 sacks. This is a significant concern, and it’s crucial that Auburn addresses this issue in the transfer portal.
There are several questions that Auburn fans are asking about the team’s transfer portal needs. Firstly, how soon can fans expect another defensive tackle to commit to the Tigers? The answer to this question is uncertain, as recruitments often change quickly with transfer portal players. News could break at any moment that a defensive tackle has committed to Auburn, or it may not happen until after the spring window opens.
Secondly, will Auburn add a big-name defensive tackle from the transfer portal? While the Tigers are not currently in the running for Bear Alexander, one of the most sought-after transfer portal players, they may still add a talented defensive tackle. There are several big-bodied defensive tackles available, including former Georgia player Jamaal Jarrett, who is listed at 6 foot 5 inches and 350 pounds.
However, Auburn’s primary need is not necessarily a big-name defensive tackle, but rather a player who can provide interior pass rush. The Tigers already have a big-bodied power player in Dallas Walker IV, who is more suited to stuffing the run. Therefore, Auburn needs to find a defensive tackle who can complement Walker IV’s skills and provide a much-needed boost to the team’s interior pass rush.
Thirdly, how much will Auburn spend on another transfer portal defensive tackle? The answer to this question is uncertain, but it’s likely that the Tigers will have to spend a significant amount to attract a top talent. Quality defensive tackles are hard to find, especially players who can provide interior pass rush. Therefore, Auburn may have to push the $1 million mark to secure the services of a top defensive tackle.
The competition for defensive tackles in the transfer portal is fierce, with many teams, including LSU, Ole Miss, Florida, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State, and Colorado, all vying for the same players. Therefore, Auburn must be strategic in its recruitment efforts and balance its spending on a defensive tackle with its other transfer needs.
In conclusion, Auburn’s defensive tackle position is still a major concern, and it’s essential that the Tigers find another talented player to bolster their depth chart. With the transfer portal still open, Auburn has the opportunity to address this issue and improve its chances of success in the 2025 season.
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze has been busy rebuilding his quarterback room, and his latest addition, Jackson Arnold, has raised some eyebrows. The former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback has reportedly signed a lucrative NIL deal with the Tigers, worth between $2.5-3 million for a year. This has sparked some controversy, with former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron expressing his disapproval on a recent podcast.
McCarron, a two-time BCS national championship winner, questioned what Freeze saw in Arnold’s tape, suggesting that he didn’t impress with his passing ability. McCarron also pointed out that Auburn has the financial resources to attract top talent, implying that they could have done better than Arnold. He even suggested that they could have gone after Quinn Ewers, a highly-rated quarterback prospect.
However, Freeze is enthusiastic about Arnold’s potential, describing him as a dual-threat quarterback who understands the RPO system extremely well and throws the deep ball extremely well. Arnold’s athleticism and strong arm are undeniable, and Freeze is hoping to harness his talent to lead the Tigers to success.
The addition of Arnold, along with former Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels, gives Freeze a talented but raw duo to work with. The quarterback position was a major concern for the Tigers last season, and Freeze is determined to address this issue. With Arnold and Daniels on board, the Tigers are hoping to silence their critics and make a push for success in the brutal SEC West division.
Freeze’s decision to bring in Arnold and Daniels is a clear indication that he is committed to rebuilding the Tigers’ offense. With his experience and expertise, Freeze is well-equipped to guide his quarterbacks to success. However, the pressure is on, and the Tigers will need to deliver on the field if they want to justify their investment in Arnold.
In the meantime, the debate about Arnold’s worth will continue to rage on. While some, like McCarron, question whether he is worth the hefty price tag, others see him as a talented young quarterback with a lot of potential. One thing is certain, however: the spotlight will be firmly on Arnold and the Tigers next season, and they will need to deliver if they want to prove their doubters wrong.
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