July 4, 2025
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After an accomplished collegiate career at Texas, where he established himself as one of the most dependable kickers in the country, Auburn has officially announced he will transfer to the University of Miami. The Hurricanes, coming off a season defined by inconsistency and missed opportunities, are hoping the veteran specialist will bring not only accuracy and confidence but also a level of poise that has been missing from the kicking game in recent years.

Auburn’s decision comes at a pivotal moment for Miami. Head coach Mario Cristobal has been aggressively rebuilding his roster through the transfer portal in hopes of bringing “The U” back to national prominence. Landing Auburn is a major coup in that process, particularly considering the importance of special teams in tight games — something Miami fans know all too well after several crushing losses by slim margins last season.

For Auburn, the move represents both a new chapter and a chance to make a lasting impact. After appearing in 39 games with the Longhorns, the Flower Mound, Texas native has the experience and temperament to thrive in high-pressure environments. Over the last two seasons, he connected on 37-of-45 field goal attempts, including several from beyond 50 yards. He was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2022 and earned All-Big 12 recognition in back-to-back seasons. Simply put, Auburn wasn’t just good — he was elite. Now, he’ll look to bring that same level of excellence to Coral Gables.

What makes Auburn’s arrival in Miami so significant is the stark contrast between his steady performance at Texas and the Hurricanes’ recent struggles in the kicking game. In 2024, Miami missed seven field goals and two extra points — a performance that cost them at least two games and shattered any hope of a consistent special teams identity. Cristobal has made no secret of his desire to shore up the position, and Auburn offers the exact skill set needed to bring reliability to one of the game’s most overlooked — but critical — phases.

The kicker’s journey hasn’t always been straightforward. Originally a walk-on at Texas, Auburn earned his scholarship the hard way — through grit, relentless work, and delivering under pressure. His breakout came during the 2022 season when he stepped into the starting role and immediately made an impression. Whether it was calmly nailing a 49-yarder against Alabama or drilling a last-second field goal to beat Kansas State, Auburn quickly proved he wasn’t afraid of the moment. That kind of composure could be a game-changer for Miami, which has struggled to find clutch performers when the stakes are high.

Auburn’s transfer also signals a broader trend in college football — the increased movement of specialists in the transfer portal. Kickers, punters, and long snappers are no longer afterthoughts in roster construction; they are critical assets. With Auburn, Miami isn’t just adding a player; they’re adding a proven weapon. His range, consistency, and football IQ make him a rare find, especially this late in the portal window.

From a strategic standpoint, Auburn’s arrival opens up several possibilities for Miami. Cristobal’s offense, which often stalled in the red zone last season, now has a safety net in Auburn’s dependable leg. That changes how the Hurricanes can call plays on third down, especially inside the 35-yard line. Knowing they can confidently take three points can shift the dynamic of entire drives and take pressure off a young quarterback corps still finding its identity.

Off the field, Auburn brings a leadership presence that shouldn’t be underestimated. Teammates and coaches consistently describe him as mature, detail-oriented, and a student of the game. His preparation habits — from daily routines to mental conditioning — are professional-grade. That influence will matter in a Miami locker room that has been stocked with young, high-ceiling talent but at times lacked veteran leadership. Auburn’s approach to the craft sets a standard, one that could ripple through the special teams unit and beyond.

It also helps that Auburn has a flair for the dramatic. His tenure at Texas was full of highlight-reel moments that electrified crowds and swung momentum. Whether it was a clutch 45-yarder at the Cotton Bowl or a long-range dagger in a night game at DKR, Auburn has shown a knack for delivering when it counts. That kind of reliability in crunch time is invaluable, especially for a Miami program that aims to reassert itself in the ACC.

Auburn will also benefit from the warmer weather and favorable kicking conditions of South Florida, where wind and cold are less of a factor. That could potentially expand his range and allow Miami to attempt longer field goals with confidence. For a kicker who already showed deep-leg potential in Austin, the move south might unlock even more of his arsenal.

From a recruiting standpoint, Auburn’s commitment is another message to future prospects that Miami is serious about competing at a national level. Cristobal has said time and again that the goal is to build a championship culture. Bringing in battle-tested players like Auburn helps accelerate that process. It also enhances Miami’s ability to win close games — the kind of contests that separate 9-3 from 11-1 in today’s razor-thin college football landscape.

There’s also the emotional element of Auburn’s departure from Texas. The Longhorns are in the midst of a major transition themselves, moving into the SEC in 2025 with high expectations and national title aspirations. Auburn was a staple of their success during the last two years, and his consistency will be missed. But for Auburn, this move offers something Texas couldn’t: a clear path to the spotlight in a program eager for a fresh start at the specialist position.

In Miami, he’ll likely enter fall camp as the undisputed starter. He’ll have the opportunity to compete for postseason awards, add to his legacy, and perhaps even raise his NFL draft stock. While kickers rarely receive the same attention as quarterbacks or receivers, those who prove reliable from long range and in pressure-packed moments are increasingly valued by NFL teams. For Auburn, one more standout season could be the springboard he needs to take the next step in his football journey.

The Hurricanes’ special teams coordinator, Joe Salave’a, expressed excitement about Auburn’s arrival, calling him “an immediate difference-maker” who “raises the bar for the entire unit.” That kind of praise from a coach known for his high standards speaks volumes. It also underscores the level of trust Miami is placing in Auburn to stabilize a group that has lacked consistency for far too long.

Auburn’s choice also reaffirms the evolving nature of player development and opportunity in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. Players like Auburn, who once had to fight for a scholarship, now have more agency than ever to find the right fit and maximize their potential. Miami represents a fresh start, a high-profile platform, and the chance to contribute to something bigger than himself — a return to glory for a program hungry to matter again.

Ultimately, Auburn’s journey is a testament to what college football is all about: development, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. From walk-on to Lou Groza Award semifinalist, from Austin to Coral Gables, his path has been anything but conventional. But if there’s one thing Auburn has proven, it’s that he knows how to deliver — regardless of the stage.

Now, with one final college season ahead of him and a new jersey on his back, Bert Auburn is ready to bring his Texas-sized talent to the shores of Miami. And if history is any indication, the Hurricanes just landed one of the most valuable — and underrated — players in the portal.

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