The college football transfer portal has become an increasingly important tool for programs looking to quickly reshape their rosters and compete for national championships. With a growing reliance on this mechanism, powerhouse programs are leveraging the portal to plug gaps in their lineups, add high-level talent, and address needs in a way that was once unimaginable. The transfer portal has allowed teams to build competitive rosters in a shorter amount of time, avoiding lengthy rebuilds, while also enabling players to find new opportunities in search of more playing time or a better fit. In the 2025 transfer portal class, several teams have already made significant strides, demonstrating the growing importance of this tool in shaping the college football landscape.
One of the standout teams so far is LSU, which has secured the No. 1 class in the transfer portal, according to several sources. The Tigers have landed eight blue-chip recruits, players who are expected to make an immediate impact and elevate the program in the coming seasons. LSU’s efforts in the portal underscore the program’s continued commitment to success, as the Tigers have consistently been a top contender in the SEC and national discussions. Head coach Brian Kelly’s ability to capitalize on the transfer portal has helped him continue to build a championship-caliber roster that is deep, talented, and poised for future success.
Ole Miss is another team that has made waves in the portal, with six blue-chip players committed to the program so far. Coach Lane Kiffin’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football through the portal has helped the Rebels stay competitive in a stacked SEC. With his high-octane offensive system, Kiffin has continued to attract top talent, and the influx of transfers will only bolster the program’s chances of competing at the highest level in the coming years. Programs like LSU and Ole Miss have found success in the portal, showing how advantageous it can be for teams looking to enhance their rosters quickly.
However, not every program has seen the same success with the transfer portal. One program that has been hit particularly hard by the portal is the Auburn Tigers, a once-dominant force in college football. Auburn, which has one of the most storied histories in the sport, has faced significant roster turnover in the past few years, and the 2025 transfer portal class is no different. The Tigers have lost 19 players to the transfer portal since the first window opened on December 9, according to 247Sports. The departures have left Auburn with a major hole in its roster, which is compounded by the fact that several of the players who left were highly-touted blue-chip recruits. Among the most significant losses are quarterback Walker White, wide receiver Caleb Burton III, cornerback Keionte Scott, and offensive tackle Percy Lewis.
These departures have added to the challenges facing Auburn’s program, which has already struggled in recent seasons. The Tigers finished the 2024 college football season with a 5-7 record, with only two SEC victories—against the Texas A&M Aggies and Kentucky Wildcats. The underwhelming record highlights the struggles Auburn has faced in recent years, as the program has failed to recapture the level of success it once enjoyed. The Tigers’ 2-6 conference record in SEC play further emphasizes the difficulties the program has had competing at the highest level in one of the toughest conferences in college football.
The loss of key players in the transfer portal further exacerbates the struggles of Auburn’s football program. Under head coach Hugh Freeze, the Tigers have had an 11-14 record during his two-year tenure, and the program is in need of a significant rebuild to return to its former glory. Auburn has a rich football tradition and the potential to be a powerhouse, but recent seasons have left fans and analysts questioning the program’s trajectory. While Freeze has shown promise in his coaching abilities, the team’s inability to win games consistently has raised concerns about the future of the program.
One of the most significant challenges facing Auburn is the fact that the program hasn’t won a bowl game since 2018 and hasn’t posted a double-digit win season since 2017. For a program with such a proud history and passionate fan base, these extended periods of mediocrity are unacceptable. Auburn’s struggles to compete in the SEC, along with its inability to keep key players on the roster, have put the program in a difficult position as it seeks to reestablish itself as a contender. The departure of blue-chip talent to the transfer portal is a blow to the Tigers’ efforts to rebuild, as these players are often crucial to a program’s success in the future.
The influx of talent via the transfer portal has become a double-edged sword for programs like Auburn. While some teams have found success in rebuilding quickly, others like Auburn have been on the losing end of roster turnover. The departure of 19 players is a reflection of the challenges Auburn faces in retaining talent and building a cohesive team under Freeze. Whether it’s due to dissatisfaction with the coaching staff, playing time, or other factors, these transfers signal that Auburn may need to reassess its approach to roster management and recruitment if it hopes to turn things around.
Looking ahead, Auburn will need to make some tough decisions and adapt to the changing landscape of college football. The Tigers will have to find ways to keep their top recruits from entering the transfer portal, which will require a stronger emphasis on player development, team culture, and recruiting efforts. Freeze and his staff will need to continue to build relationships with players, provide opportunities for success, and foster a competitive environment that will convince talent to stay and grow with the program. The coaching staff will also need to be more strategic in their use of the transfer portal, looking for opportunities to bring in players who can make an immediate impact and help plug the gaps left by departures.
For Auburn to regain its footing and return to being a top contender in the SEC, it will take more than just recruiting blue-chip players. The program needs stability, consistency, and a renewed sense of direction. The transfer portal can be a powerful tool, but it’s only effective when used strategically and in conjunction with strong recruiting, player development, and a winning culture. Auburn has the resources and potential to turn things around, but it will take a concerted effort from the coaching staff and the entire program to rebuild and reestablish its place among the elite college football programs.
As the 2025 transfer portal season continues to unfold, Auburn will need to find ways to address its roster losses while also adding talent to stay competitive in the SEC. With the program’s storied history and passionate fan base, Auburn’s future success is still possible, but it will require significant changes in how the Tigers approach their roster, coaching staff, and overall strategy moving forward.
