Auburn Must Address These Two Positions During the Spring Transfer Window

Introduction: The Auburn Tigers football program has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent seasons, with coaching changes and roster turnover significantly impacting their performance. As spring practice approaches and the 2025 college football season looms on the horizon, Auburn faces a critical moment in shaping their future success. While recruiting is always a primary concern, the transfer portal has become a vital tool for teams to address gaps in their roster. Auburn, in particular, will need to target two key positions during the spring transfer window to ensure they are competitive in the highly competitive SEC.

The positions Auburn must focus on are quarterback and wide receiver. Both are areas that will have a profound impact on the team’s offensive output, and given the state of the roster, the Tigers are looking to bolster both to remain competitive and take the next step forward.

1. Quarterback: The Most Critical Position

The quarterback position is undoubtedly the most vital on the field. At Auburn, there has been a sense of instability at quarterback for several years now, with a series of highly-touted but inconsistent players failing to live up to expectations. For a program that has struggled to find consistent quarterback play, it is crucial that Auburn uses the transfer portal to secure an experienced signal-caller to lead the offense.

Current State of the Auburn Quarterback Room

As of the 2025 offseason, Auburn has several quarterbacks on the roster, but none who have clearly established themselves as the undisputed leader. While there have been flashes of potential, the position has been marred by inconsistency.

Robbie Ashford: A dual-threat quarterback who has shown moments of brilliance, Ashford’s ability to make plays with his legs gives him a high ceiling. However, his struggles with passing accuracy and decision-making have been evident. He has yet to fully convince coaches and fans that he is the long-term answer under center.
TJ Finley: Finley, a transfer from LSU, has seen limited action for Auburn but has been unable to secure the starting role for any extended period. His play has been inconsistent, and despite his size and arm strength, Finley has struggled with making key throws under pressure.
Holden Geriner: The young quarterback out of the 2023 recruiting class, Geriner has the tools to be a good player, but as a freshman, it’s uncertain whether he will be able to make an immediate impact.

Auburn is in a situation where it cannot afford to roll with an unproven quarterback to lead them through a tough SEC schedule. While the Tigers have a good base of quarterbacks, they need a reliable, experienced leader who can stabilize the position and be the focal point of the offense.

Why Auburn Needs a Transfer Quarterback

In the SEC, having a reliable quarterback is essential to success. With programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently fielding top-tier quarterbacks, Auburn must find a way to stay competitive. While high school recruits are always an option, a transfer quarterback can provide immediate experience, leadership, and a higher floor than a freshman might.

Given the current situation at Auburn, adding a transfer quarterback who can step in and make an immediate impact would help stabilize the offense, create more competition in the room, and possibly give the Tigers an edge in key matchups.

Targeting Transfer Quarterbacks

There are a few key areas Auburn should focus on when looking at transfer quarterbacks:

Experience in the SEC: Ideally, Auburn would target a quarterback who has played in the SEC or a Power Five conference. This experience would allow the player to hit the ground running and adapt to the speed and physicality of SEC football.
Dual-threat Ability: Auburn has had success with dual-threat quarterbacks in the past, such as Nick Marshall and Cam Newton, both of whom excelled in Gus Malzahn’s offense. A quarterback who can make plays with his legs while still being capable as a passer would provide a dynamic option for the offense.
Leadership and Consistency: Auburn needs a quarterback who can not only make the throws but also be a steadying presence in the locker room and on the field. Having someone who can handle the pressure of SEC play and elevate the team’s performance would go a long way.

Several potential transfer candidates fit the bill for Auburn, depending on who enters the portal. A player like Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina, who has been highly productive in college football, would be a perfect fit for Auburn. His mobility and accuracy as a passer could bring a much-needed balance to the offense. Sam Hartman (formerly of Wake Forest) could also be an intriguing option, given his ability to run a pro-style offense efficiently.

2. Wide Receiver: A Need for Playmakers

While the quarterback situation is the most urgent concern, the wide receiver position is also one that Auburn must address in the spring transfer window. Over the past few years, Auburn has struggled to develop consistent, explosive playmakers at wide receiver. With the departure of key players and the overall lack of proven depth, the Tigers need to find a wide receiver or two who can make an immediate impact and provide the quarterback with reliable targets.

Current State of the Auburn Wide Receiver Room

Auburn has some talented wide receivers, but the unit has lacked depth and consistency. Key players such as Ja’Varrius Johnson and Coy Moore have shown potential but have not yet developed into the kind of game-breaking talents that can elevate the offense. With several departures and transfers, Auburn is left with several unproven names.

Ja’Varrius Johnson: Johnson is a quick, speedy receiver who has flashed at times but needs to prove he can be a consistent threat week in and week out. He has the speed to stretch the field, but more consistency is required to be a reliable option.
Coy Moore: Another talented player, Moore’s development has been slower than expected. His physical traits suggest he has the potential to be a star, but he has yet to put it all together.
Koy Moore: Moore showed flashes during his early seasons at LSU, but his time at Auburn has yet to show the kind of production needed to be the top target on the team.

The lack of proven talent, combined with the departure of several key contributors, leaves Auburn in a precarious position at wide receiver. This is a unit that needs immediate reinforcements to provide a boost to the offense and help the quarterback position succeed.

Why Auburn Needs to Add a Transfer Wide Receiver

Auburn needs to add a wide receiver who can make an impact immediately, especially if they end up bringing in a new quarterback. Developing chemistry with a transfer quarterback will be crucial, and having a receiver who can create separation and make plays down the field will help maximize the quarterback’s potential.

In addition, adding a wide receiver from the transfer portal would provide depth to a unit that has lacked consistent production. A top-tier transfer could provide that immediate spark while also building a foundation for future success.

Targeting Transfer Wide Receivers

Auburn should be targeting receivers who are proven commodities in a Power Five conference. Players who can win in a variety of ways—whether through speed, physicality, or route running—are what Auburn needs to pair with their future quarterback. Auburn needs a receiver who can take the top off the defense, make contested catches, and generate yardage after the catch.

Some potential targets might include:

Javon Baker (Alabama): A former 4-star recruit who has flashed talent, but has struggled for consistent playing time at Alabama. He could be an ideal candidate for Auburn, with a chance to be a featured player.
Jordan Addison (USC): If he enters the portal, Addison would be an ideal fit for Auburn’s needs. A former Biletnikoff Award winner, Addison has the experience and ability to transform the receiving corps.
Xavier Worthy (Texas): A player who has been consistently productive in one of the toughest conferences in the country. He could bring elite speed and route-running to Auburn’s offense.

Auburn’s future success in 2025 depends heavily on filling gaps at two critical positions: quarterback and wide receiver. The Tigers have some talent in both areas, but they need to secure proven, experienced players through the spring transfer window to remain competitive in the SEC. By adding a dynamic transfer quarterback and a game-breaking wide receiver, Auburn could revamp its offense and set itself up for success in the upcoming season. The coaching staff must act swiftly to address these needs in the transfer portal and give the Tigers the best chance to compete with the conference’s elite teams.