Sad; Auburn Loses Two Veteran Defenders to Transfer Portal as Grad Transfers

Auburn football continues to see roster movement as two experienced defenders, linebacker Cam Riley and safety Donovan Kaufman, have entered the NCAA transfer portal as graduate transfers. Their departures mark the 13th and 14th exits for Auburn during the 2024 transfer cycle. Although the portal officially closed on January 3, graduate transfers like Riley and Kaufman are still eligible to transfer at any time.

Cam Riley, a native of Evergreen, Alabama, joined Auburn as a Top247 recruit in the 2020 class. He was brought in by then-defensive coaches Travis Williams and Kevin Steele. Riley saw action in 11 games as a freshman, registering nine tackles. He continued to contribute in 2021 and 2022, with his junior year being his most productive—posting 65 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. In 2023, under defensive coordinators Ron Roberts and Josh Aldridge, Riley totaled 32 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks. Heading into the upcoming season, Auburn had even considered shifting him to the edge rusher position.

Meanwhile, Donovan Kaufman began his collegiate career at Vanderbilt in 2020, where he was recruited by then-head coach Derek Mason. When Mason joined Auburn’s staff as Bryan Harsin’s defensive coordinator, Kaufman transferred to Auburn to reunite with his former coach. A product of New Orleans, Louisiana, Kaufman became a key piece in Auburn’s secondary over the last three seasons, recording 124 tackles during his time on the Plains. In 2023, he thrived in the hybrid “star” position under Ron Roberts, contributing as a versatile defender capable of pressuring the quarterback. He finished the season with a sack, two forced fumbles, and an interception. However, injuries hindered his ability to stay on the field consistently.

These departures come just as Auburn bolstered its own secondary, landing former Texas safety Jerrin Thompson through the portal on Monday. Thompson’s addition provides depth and experience as Auburn navigates the evolving transfer market.

Auburn fans and analysts will be closely monitoring how these moves impact the Tigers’ defense heading into the 2024 season. With Riley and Kaufman bringing veteran experience to their next programs, their exit also opens up new opportunities for emerging talent within Auburn’s roster.