Auburn Football One Move Away from Unprecedented Starting 11 Offense

When Auburn football takes the field against UMass on the 2nd. September 2023, it will look very different from the same time just a year ago. Not only did it trade Bryan Harsin for head coach Hugh Freeze, but the Tigers roster was rebuilt on a pretty significant level.

In today’s era of college football, it is not uncommon for programs to be overhauled. It’s happening all over the country. Colorado is the most extreme example, but Auburn is not that far behind.

With the transfer window being what it is, a new head coach typically hired in December, like Freeze, can essentially start from scratch. The first transfer window opens immediately after conference championship weekend and closes in January. The second transfer window opens in April and closes at the end of the month.

As a first-year head coach, the first window offers an opportunity to sweep as much talent as possible. In the second window, coaches can fine-tune more specific needs.

Both windows allow a first-year head coach to sign game-ready athletes with experience he is excited. In the past, the first-year head coach was forced to work with the hand he was dealt by the previous staff.

None of this is particularly revolutionary thinking. It’s common in modern games.

Hugh Freeze and Auburn are a perfect example.

The offense he sends on the first drive of the first year could look completely different than the one Harsin sent last game. Freeze just needs an interior offensive lineman to do it.

Here’s how the Tigers’ offense could go after fall camp:

• Quarterback Payton Thorne (Michigan State)
• Running Back Brian Battie (South Florida)
• X Wide Receiver Nick Mardner (Cincinnati)
• Y wide receiver Caleb Burton (Ohio State)
• Z Wide Receiver Jyaire Shorter (North Texas)
• Tight End Rivaldo Fairweather (Florida International)
• Tackle Gunner Britton (Western Kentucky)
• Guard Jaden Muskrat (Tulsa)
• Center Avery Jones (East Carolina)
• Guard?????
• Tackle Dillon Wade (Tulsa)

The transfer portal still has over 50 inside forwards with at least three-star status who are currently on the transfer portal and have not committed to the new program. Auburn could potentially field an entire offense that wasn’t on the team on Jan. 1.

This has never happened before. No all 11 guys. Pretty wild!