Auburn football has been on the receiving end of some major headlines this offseason, but none quite as electrifying or hopeful as the recent news regarding defensive standout Rayshawn Pleasant. On Thursday morning, the 2025 Walter Camp Preseason FBS All-America Team was officially announced, and Pleasant’s name was among the elite. A name many Auburn fans barely knew just a few short months ago is now squarely etched into the national spotlight. His journey from Tulane to Auburn, and now to national recognition, is a story of talent, timing, and tenacity.
Pleasant’s path to Auburn began quietly in the spring when the defensive back entered the transfer portal after an impressive campaign with the Green Wave. Though his time at Tulane was filled with moments of brilliance, he flew largely under the radar nationally—at least until now. Pleasant’s transfer to Auburn didn’t immediately dominate headlines, but those within the program had a clear sense of what kind of athlete and leader they were gaining. And with this Walter Camp honor, it’s clear that his value is now being recognized well beyond Auburn’s facilities.
What makes Pleasant’s rise so compelling is the fact that he earned this recognition without ever having played a down in the SEC. That speaks volumes about the impact he had last season and the respect he commands across the country. At Tulane, Pleasant was a ballhawk, a leader in the secondary, and a cornerstone of one of the most disciplined defenses in the American Athletic Conference. His instincts, footwork, and burst allowed him to consistently take away opposing teams’ top weapons. Whether breaking up passes, delivering jarring hits, or tracking down running backs in open space, Pleasant was always near the ball—and often, he was the one ending the play.
Statistically, Pleasant was one of the most productive defensive backs in the nation in 2024. He recorded 61 total tackles, 5 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 12 pass breakups. His ability to read quarterbacks, disguise coverages, and close space in a flash made him one of the more feared defenders in the AAC. And while many questioned whether his skills would translate to the rigors of SEC play, the preseason All-America nod has silenced most of those doubts. This honor from the Walter Camp Foundation—a widely respected and longstanding institution in college football—places him among the best of the best, even before his first official SEC snap.
Auburn’s coaching staff wasted no time incorporating Pleasant into the defensive system during spring practices. From Day One, reports out of camp indicated that Pleasant was not only one of the most athletic players on the field, but also one of the most vocal. That leadership, combined with his elite field awareness, has been infectious for Auburn’s younger defensive backs. According to multiple sources close to the program, Pleasant quickly earned the trust of both teammates and coaches. Defensive coordinator Charles Kelly reportedly referred to him as “a coach on the field,” citing his film study habits, communication skills, and unmatched competitive drive.
Pleasant’s role within Auburn’s secondary will be multi-faceted. He is expected to start at cornerback but has the versatility to play at nickel or even safety depending on the package. His football IQ and adaptability give the Tigers options they desperately need in a conference known for high-powered passing attacks. Against teams like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A\&M, having a player of Pleasant’s caliber and flexibility could be the difference between winning and losing tight matchups. He allows Auburn to disguise coverages, match up more effectively against elite receivers, and potentially shift into more aggressive blitz packages knowing they have a reliable cover man behind the pressure.
For Pleasant himself, the All-America selection is likely just the beginning of what could be a career-defining year. NFL scouts have already started to take notice, with some insiders suggesting he could rise as high as the second round in the 2026 NFL Draft if he continues on this trajectory. His mix of explosiveness, technique, and swagger makes him a prime candidate to turn heads at the next level. More importantly, his maturity and work ethic position him as the kind of player who elevates not just his own stock, but the performance of those around him.
His story also serves as a powerful example of how the transfer portal can work when executed with intention and vision. While some transfers struggle to adjust to new schemes, environments, or expectations, Pleasant has thrived in the fresh start Auburn has given him. He arrived on campus with something to prove, and if his first few months are any indication, he is well on his way to doing just that. This preseason accolade validates his decision, but it also places a new level of pressure and expectation on his shoulders—a challenge he appears more than ready to embrace.
Auburn fans, who are no strangers to defensive excellence with names like Carlos Rogers, David Irons, and Josh Bynes etched in program lore, have quickly grown to appreciate what Pleasant brings to the table. Social media has already erupted with praise and anticipation, as fans now eagerly await seeing him take the field in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Some are even going as far as to call him the team’s most important offseason addition—an impressive claim given the Tigers’ active presence in the portal this year.
The Walter Camp All-America Team is not only a preseason projection—it is a badge of honor. It reflects a national consensus about who is expected to be elite at their position. And for Rayshawn Pleasant, it signals that he is not merely a good player in a new system—he is a game-changer. He is now part of a tradition that includes legends of the sport, and with Auburn entering a season filled with both promise and uncertainty, having a player like Pleasant in the fold provides an anchor of stability and excellence.
There is, of course, still a season to play. Preseason honors, while exciting, must be followed up with production, consistency, and leadership. But based on everything seen from Pleasant thus far—at Tulane, in spring practice, and in his locker room presence—there is every reason to believe that he will live up to and possibly exceed the lofty expectations now set before him.
His emergence also marks a shift in the perception of Auburn’s defensive potential heading into 2025. The Tigers were already seen as a team with the ability to turn heads, thanks in part to their strong returning core and incoming talent. But Pleasant’s presence elevates the ceiling even further. It is one thing to have depth; it’s another to have a bona fide star capable of altering a game in one play. With Pleasant, Auburn has both.
For Auburn’s coaching staff, his selection is also a recruiting tool. Prospective players pay close attention to who’s being developed and who’s being honored. The fact that Auburn can now point to a high-profile transfer who is being nationally recognized before playing a down in orange and blue is a testament to the environment the staff is creating. It shows that elite talent can find a home—and a platform—on the Plains.
As the 2025 season nears, the excitement around Pleasant will only grow. Every snap, every pass defended, and every interception will now be scrutinized not just by fans, but by national media and professional scouts. But for someone as focused and prepared as Pleasant, that spotlight is just fuel. It is the stage he’s been preparing for, and now he has the opportunity to show the college football world exactly why he deserves to be called one of the best.
In the end, Auburn didn’t just land a talented player in Rayshawn Pleasant—they secured a cornerstone. And with national recognition already flowing his way, it’s safe to say that the best may still be yet to come.
