Auburn football did not have a winning record in 2024, a consistent theme for the SEC power since 2021. Offensively, they finished 12th in terms of points per game allowed. However, their defense had much stronger surface numbers, finishing in the top half of the conference regarding fewest points, passing touchdowns, and rushing yards allowed.
Although largely incompetent on offense during the Hugh Freeze era, the defense remains stout against tough SEC competition, so much so that Auburn has become a hub for defensive talent via the transfer portal. The Auburn Tigers added Tulane Green Wave cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant on Wednesday, per On3 Sports.
Hugh Freeze of the Auburn Tigers© Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Pleasant is the fourth defensive player to join Auburn through the portal in the past week, joining linebacker Caleb Wheatland and defensive linemen Jay Hardy and James Ash. Highlighting the group is Ash following a 44-tackle season with the Florida A&M Rattlers in 2024.
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As for Pleasant, he spent the past two seasons with Tulane. Last year, Tulane went 9-5, with Pleasant tallying 35 tackles and one TFL. In the season opener against Southeastern Louisiana, Plesant returned his lone interception for a 100-yard touchdown. He also added three passes defended on the season.
Pleasant, a three-star recruit in the 2022 class, will compete with Kayin Lee and Jay Crawford, among others, for a starting cornerback position. Lee and Crawford played significant snaps in 2024, with Lee collecting three interceptions compared to Crawford’s one.
Auburn will open their season in late August with a tough road tilt against the Baylor Bears.
