Defense in Freefall: Woodyard Jumps Ship
Auburn linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. announced he’s entering the transfer portal, becoming the second Tiger linebacker to bolt this offseason after Caleb Wheatland. Woodyard, who led Auburn with 67 tackles in 2025, will depart during the NCAA’s January window. His exit adds to a growing list of defensive losses—cornerbacks Jay Crawford and Raion Strader, defensive lineman Antonio Coleman and Wheatland have all signaled their intent to leave. Head coach Alex Golesh still has top recruits Jaquez Wilkes and Shadarius Toodle en route, but losing a veteran playmaker like Woodyard leaves big shoes to fill heading into the 2026 season.
Look, you’ve got to hand it to Auburn’s defense—it’s inventing new ways to scare even the bravest recruits. Forget ghosts in the locker room; this season it’s haunted by linebacksers who disappear through the portal like socks in a dryer. Who needs stability when you can have a revolving door of talent? Meanwhile, DJ Durkin can practice his Rube Goldberg machine strategy, piecing together replacements one transfer at a time. But don’t worry, Auburn fans: two shiny four-star prospects are on the way to solve everything. Because nothing says “we’ve got this” like betting the farm on hope and Instagram highlight reels. Roll Tide—oops, wrong team.
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