Auburn football is set for more roster changes as offensive tackle Eston E.J. Harris Jr. plans to enter the transfer portal when it officially opens on December 9, according to multiple reports. Harris’ decision to leave comes as a surprise to many, and he now becomes the third Tiger to declare for the portal this offseason, following fellow teammates Micah Riley and Holden Geriner.
The news, initially broken by Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports, signals another shift in Auburn’s roster as head coach Hugh Freeze works to reshape his team. Harris, who spent three seasons with the Tigers after coming from Auburn High School in 2022, will have two years of eligibility remaining following a redshirt year during his freshman season. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound lineman’s decision to enter the portal adds to an already significant transition period for the program.
A Look at Harris’ Time at Auburn
Harris joined Auburn as a highly-touted recruit, known for his size and physicality along the offensive line. Though he didn’t play much in his first year, his potential was clear, and he was poised to become a key piece of Auburn’s offensive line in the coming seasons. However, with the recent changes within the program and the influx of new commitments, it seems Harris has decided to explore other opportunities for his remaining eligibility.
The Tigers’ Offensive Line: A Work in Progress
Harris’ departure further emphasizes the ongoing evolution of Auburn’s offensive line, which has been a point of focus for the coaching staff. The Tigers have already secured commitments from four offensive linemen in their 2025 recruiting class: Broderick Shull, Kail Ellis, Tai Buster, and Jacobe Ward. These young recruits will join the program next year with hopes of bolstering Auburn’s front line and improving the protection for the team’s quarterbacks and running backs.
While the Auburn defense has garnered praise throughout the 2024 season, the offense has faced consistent challenges. The loss of Harris—who had the potential to contribute significantly in the coming years—leaves a gap that will need to be filled either through incoming recruits or by other players stepping up. As Auburn continues to rebuild, adding stability to the offensive line remains one of the top priorities for Freeze and his staff.
What’s Next for E.J. Harris?
For Harris, the transfer portal opens up fresh possibilities. As a 6-foot-5, 320-pound lineman with multiple years of eligibility remaining, Harris figures to be a highly sought-after prospect for teams looking to bolster their offensive line depth. His experience at Auburn, combined with his size and potential, make him a valuable asset for programs looking to improve their front line in 2025.
As the Tigers work to fill the void left by Harris and others in the portal, Auburn fans will be watching closely to see how the roster takes shape in the offseason. In the coming weeks, more transfer portal news is expected, and Auburn will be looking to make strategic moves to continue their rebuild under Hugh Freeze’s leadership.
For now, the departure of Harris is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college football, where rosters can be dramatically reshaped year after year.
