Auburn Awaits Eligibility of Transfer Jacoby Mathews

Former Texas A&M safety Jacoby Mathews is transferring to Auburn, but his eligibility for the upcoming season is pending final grades from his year at junior college. Mathews, a former top recruit, played two seasons at Texas A&M, tallying 66 tackles, several pass deflections, and one interception. He will have two years of eligibility remaining at Auburn. His decision was influenced by familiarity with Auburn's coaching staff and defensive scheme, as well as the arrival of new position coach TJ Rushing. Auburn has added 20 players via the transfer portal this offseason, and Mathews is expected to bolster the team's young secondary. Analysts suggest his addition could help Auburn emerge as a surprise SEC contender under head coach Hugh Freeze.