Here is the roster of individuals joining and departing from Auburn’s wide receiver unit.
Koy Moore has reportedly entered the transfer portal, marking the final departure of the previous era of Auburn receivers and signaling the completion of a comprehensive overhaul in the team’s wide receiver department. This transformation was deemed necessary, given Auburn’s ranking as the SEC’s worst passing offense last season in terms of yards per game. To address this issue, enhancing the talent pool within the roster was imperative.
Despite only recording three catches in 2023, Moore joins the ranks of departing wide receivers, making him the fifth out of seven Auburn wideouts with double-digit receptions in the last two seasons to exit the program. Moreover, Moore is one of five receivers to have played consistently over the same period. The collective statistics of these receivers over the 2022 and 2023 seasons are outlined below, underscoring their significant contribution to Auburn’s passing game.
Ja’Varrius Johnson: 45 receptions, 840 yards, 6 touchdowns
Jay Fair: 33 receptions, 358 yards, 2 touchdowns
Koy Moore: 23 receptions, 338 yards, 1 touchdown
Malcolm Johnson Jr.: 8 receptions, 117 yards, 0 touchdowns
Omari Kelly: 5 receptions, 101 yards, 0 touchdowns
These five players accounted for a substantial portion of Auburn’s receiving production over the past two seasons, highlighting their importance to the team’s offensive strategy. However, despite their contributions, Auburn’s passing offense struggled significantly, ranking at the bottom of the SEC and nationally in both 2022 and 2023.
In response to this performance, Auburn witnessed a significant turnover in its wide receiver roster, with 11 players departing via transfer or graduation, collectively contributing 41% of the team’s catches, 52% of its receiving yards, and 41% of its receiving touchdowns over the last two years. This exodus necessitated a reevaluation of the team’s approach, leading to a comprehensive restructuring of the wide receiver unit.
As of May, Auburn’s roster includes seven new scholarship wide receivers for the upcoming season. This influx of talent is highlighted by several highly touted freshmen recruits, including five-star prospect Cam Coleman, four-star recruits Perry Thompson, Bryce Cain, and Malcolm Simmons. Coleman, in particular, has already made a strong impression during spring practices and is poised to play a significant role in the team’s offense.
8️⃣ for SIX 🙌
First of many in Jordan-Hare for @CamColeman12! pic.twitter.com/WqGaZc1fAd
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) April 6, 2024
Additionally, incoming transfers KeAndre Lambert-Smith from Penn State and Robert Lewis from Georgia State bring valuable experience and leadership to the team. Both Lambert-Smith and Lewis led their respective teams in receptions and receiving yards last season, further bolstering Auburn’s receiving corps. Furthermore, the addition of Sam Jackson V, a transfer from Cal, adds an intriguing dynamic to the group, as he transitions from quarterback to wide receiver.
Overall, Auburn’s renewed focus on recruiting and its aggressive pursuit of talent in both high school and the transfer portal signal a concerted effort to address the shortcomings of previous seasons and position the team for success in the future.
