Hold onto your helmets, college football fans, because the transfer portal just got a whole lot more exciting! Bryson Washington, Baylor’s star running back, has officially committed to Auburn, marking a significant shift in the SEC landscape. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Auburn’s aggressive portal strategy a recipe for success, or are they risking team chemistry by bringing in so many new faces? Let’s dive in.
According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Washington, a standout from Franklin, Texas, is bringing his impressive resume to the Plains. Over the past two seasons at Baylor, he’s been the team’s leading rusher, racking up 788 yards and six touchdowns on 154 carries in 2023 alone. His career totals? A staggering 1,861 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns across three seasons in Waco. And this is the part most people miss: before Baylor, Washington was a three-star prospect ranked as the No. 648 overall player in the 2023 class, showcasing his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
Washington’s commitment comes at a pivotal moment for Auburn, now under the leadership of head coach Alex Golesh. Golesh, who replaced Hugh Freeze after a disappointing 4-5 start to the 2025 season, has wasted no time reshaping the roster. Freeze’s departure wasn’t just a coaching change—it was a reset for a program hungry for success. Golesh, fresh off a 9-3 season at USF, has already made waves by bringing in 21 players via the transfer portal, 11 of whom followed him from USF. Bold move, right? But will it pay off?
In a recent interview on SportsCenter, Golesh described the opportunity at Auburn as ‘surreal,’ adding, ‘This is one of the premier jobs in the entire country.’ He’s not wrong. Auburn is one of the few programs where a national championship is within reach—but only if the pieces fall into place. Golesh’s meticulous planning, down to every hour of the first six months, suggests he’s leaving nothing to chance. Yet, the question remains: can he turn this roster into a cohesive unit?
Washington joins a crowded backfield, but his proven track record suggests he’ll be a key piece of Auburn’s offensive puzzle. Still, with so many new additions, it’s fair to wonder: Is Auburn building a championship contender, or are they setting themselves up for a chemistry disaster? Let’s not forget, 11 of these transfers are from USF, where Golesh previously coached. Will that familiarity breed success, or will it create cliques within the locker room?
Here’s a quick look at Auburn’s transfer portal haul, which now includes Washington:
- Sr. QB Byrum Brown (USF)
- So. RB Nykahi Davenport (USF)
- So. TE Jonathan Echols (USF)
- RS-So. DL Saint Farrior (Appalachian State)
- So. S Fred Gaskin III (USF)
- Fr. QB Locklan Hewlett (USF)
- Fr. CB Gavin Jenkins (USF)
- RS-Jr. TE Jake Johnson (North Carolina)
- Jr. EDGE Nate Johnson (Missouri)
- RS-So. CB Andre Jordan Jr. (UCLA)
- Fr. WR Jeremiah Koger (USF)
- Fr. TE Xavier Newsom (Howard)
- Fr. WR Christian Neptune (USF)
- RS-Jr. WR Chas Nimrod (USF)
- Fr. WR Kory Pettigrew (USF)
- RS-So. LS Hudson Powell (Miami OH)
- RS-So. OT Stanton Ramil (Michigan State)
- Sr. DL Cody Sigler (Arkansas State)
- RS-Jr. OT Joseph Simmons (James Madison)
- RS-So. WR Keshaun Singleton (USF)
- RS-So. RB Bryson Washington (Baylor)
As Auburn continues to reshape its roster, one thing is clear: the 2025 season will be a make-or-break year for Golesh and his squad. Will Washington be the missing piece they need, or will the influx of transfers create more problems than solutions? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—Auburn is a program to watch.
What do you think? Is Auburn’s transfer portal strategy a stroke of genius, or are they playing with fire? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow On3’s Transfer Portal Wire, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates on all the moves shaking up college football.
