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Auburn Lands Former 5-Star Recruit Out of Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alec Musa | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 5:06 PM ET

It's just year three for head coach Hugh Freeze, but the consensus among the Auburn Tigers faithful is that time is running out for the longtime bench boss.

Last season, in his second year with Auburn, Freeze and the Tigers posted a 5-7 record, marking their fourth consecutive campaign with seven losses.

On Monday, Freeze and his staff made a significant move to help snap the program's unprecedented stretch of uninspiring football. According to On3, former Texas A&M Aggies safety and 2022 five-star prospect Jacoby Mathews will head to The Plains.

Mathews' addition marks a massive splash for Auburn's 2025 outlook. The safety joined Texas A&M in 2022 under defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, tallying 25 tackles, three passes defended, and one fumble recovery. As a sophomore, the 6-foot-2 third-level defender recorded 41 tackles, four passes defended, and registered his first interception.

Mathews left A&M last year, enrolling at a Junior College before entertaining the Auburn Tigers. Durkin, Mathews' play caller from 2022 to 2023, is now working for Auburn under the same title.

The former Aggies defender will join an Auburn team that will welcome nearly two dozen incoming transfers. Quarterback Jackson Arnold, offensive playmaker Eric Singleton Jr., and wide receiver Horatio Fields headline the group, with the trio expected to play a significant role in returning the SEC program to relevance.

Mathews will compete with Kaleb Harris and Sylvester Smith for playing time in the secondary. Freeze and Company also added defensive backs Raion Strader and Taye Seymour through the transfer portal.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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