On Monday, Hugh Freeze and Auburn received negative transfer portal news.
Auburn Tigers football head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff received unwelcome news on Monday as starting safety Caleb Wooden announced his decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Wooden, a 6-foot-1, 191-pound junior from Lawrenceville, Georgia, has been a consistent contributor in the Tigers’ secondary over the past three seasons. During his tenure, he recorded 41 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, four pass deflections, and two interceptions .
This departure is particularly impactful as it follows the graduation of Jerrin Thompson, Auburn’s other starting safety. With both starting safeties now gone, the Tigers’ coaching staff faces the challenge of rebuilding the safety position. Incoming freshmen Anquon Fegans and Eric Winters are expected to compete for significant playing time in the upcoming season .
Wooden’s decision to transfer adds to a series of recent departures from Auburn’s defensive backfield. Earlier this offseason, cornerback Antonio Kite was dismissed from the program, and safety Laquan Robinson also entered the transfer portal . These moves have left the Tigers’ secondary in a state of flux, prompting the coaching staff to intensify efforts in the transfer portal to bolster the defensive backfield.
While the loss of experienced players like Wooden poses challenges, it also presents an opportunity for younger players to step up and for the coaching staff to bring in new talent through the transfer portal. Auburn’s ability to effectively address these departures will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season.
