Auburn players who were expected to transfer have instead opted to stay with the Tigers

January 7,2026 – AUBURN - Several Auburn players who pundits and self-proclaimed insiders had expected to transfer have instead decided to stay and play for the Tigers.

The Auburn offense was pretty grim last year, and at this point it looks like that will be a new unit next year. 2026 will have an entirely new quarterbacks room for Auburn, just as the 2025 Auburn QB room retained anyone from the 2024 team – no great surprise there.

That said multiple defensive players who were projected to hit the portal have re‑signed or announced plans to returns to Auburn for the 2026 year.

Confirmed Auburn Players who were expected to transfer but are staying include:

Demarcus Riddick - The former 5‑star linebacker recruit has announced that he is returning for 2026.

Elijah Melendez - Another blue‑chip linebacker has confirmed that he will be returning.

Xavier Atkins - Is the third linebacker to publicly announce that he is staying at Auburn.

Jourdin Crawford - On the defensive line was expected by some to explore other options in the transfer portal. Instead he has announced that he will remain with the Tigers.

Malik Autry - Crawford will be joined on the d-line by Malik Autry. Autry was another defensive lineman who was projected as a possible portal entry. Instead he has confirmed that he will be returning to the plains.

Bryce Deas - Is another talented linebacker that is staying with Auburn for 2026.

Eric Winters - Winters, a safety, was expected by some analysts to consider the portal. Instead he has announced that he is returning to Auburn.

Anquon Fegans - Is another former 5‑star defensive back who has confirmed that he will be staying in Auburn.

Even though Auburn was projected to lose nearly 30 players to the portal, Alex Golesh and his new staff have successfully convinced several key defenders - including multiple blue‑chip recruits - to stay. Retaining the services of former interim head coach, defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin likely played a role in helping convince 2025 Tigers players that they should remain with Auburn.

Auburn's defense was the strength of the 2025 team. The defense did lose three starting cornerbacks and the edge rusher, but much of the defense remains intact going into Golesh's first year. The Tigers have a strong core linebacker group returning, stability in the defensive line, and two important safeties staying put.

It's one of the few bright spots in what has otherwise been a heavy‑departure portal cycle.

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