Auburn’s Aggressive Move for Power Five Transfers: Smart Strategy or Desperate Gamble?
In an exciting move to shore up their offensive line, Auburn has secured two impactful transfers from Power Five schools. The Tigers announced on social media Tuesday the addition of former Southern California right tackle Mason Murphy and former Virginia Tech offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin, both of whom will immediately bring depth and experience to Auburn’s front.
Murphy, who spent the past three seasons at USC, offers a wealth of experience, having started all 12 games for the Trojans last season. Not only did Murphy start every game in 2023, but he also led the team in both total snaps and offensive snaps, making him one of USC’s most durable and reliable players. This experience is critical for an Auburn team looking to rebuild its offensive line under head coach Hugh Freeze. Prior to last season, Murphy was a consistent starter, having earned five starts in each of the previous two years. His ability to anchor the right side of the line will be a welcome addition to Auburn’s offensive line, which has been in need of stability and experience.
Meanwhile, Xavier Chaplin arrives at Auburn after a standout career at Virginia Tech, where he started in each of the last two seasons for the Hokies. Known for his physicality and ability to hold his ground in the trenches, Chaplin brings the kind of toughness that Freeze and his staff are looking for. His experience in the ACC will help solidify Auburn’s line as they look to build a formidable unit that can protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game.
The additions of Murphy and Chaplin come on the heels of Auburn’s quarterback acquisitions via the transfer portal. The Tigers already secured two high-profile quarterbacks—Jackson Arnold from Oklahoma and Ashton Daniels from Stanford—both of whom are expected to compete for the starting job next season. With these moves, Auburn is clearly building for the future, focusing on key positions to improve the team’s performance on both sides of the ball.
The offensive line is often the unsung hero of successful football teams, and by adding two experienced starters through the portal, Auburn is making a clear commitment to strengthening its foundation. With the 2024 season rapidly approaching, these additions could be exactly what the Tigers need to make a splash in the SEC next year.
In Other SEC News:
While Auburn is making waves with its transfer portal activity, other SEC teams are also staying active. Former Florida State quarterback Luke Kromenhoek recently announced he would be transferring to Mississippi State. Kromenhoek, a freshman, played sparingly this past season, completing 52.4% of his passes for 502 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Though he didn’t start for the Seminoles for most of the year, Kromenhoek did make his mark in Florida State’s final two games, starting in a win over Charleston Southern and a loss to Florida. His move to Mississippi State could provide valuable depth in the Bulldogs’ quarterback room moving forward.
As the transfer portal continues to shake up college football, Auburn’s aggressive approach to securing high-impact players like Murphy and Chaplin demonstrates a commitment to building a competitive roster for the 2024 season. The Tigers’ revamped offensive line and quarterback room will be something to watch as they continue to make strategic moves to strengthen the program.
