Bryan Harsin addresses Tank Bigsby transfer portal rumors

Tank Bigsby was almost one of several Auburn football players to transfer from the program this offseason. However, after some conversations with the Tigers coaching staff, he decided to come back for another year.

At the time, one source told Auburn Live that coach Bryan Harsin and his assistants had to “sell him on our vision.” With Bigsby now committed for 2022, Harsin was asked to elaborate on those conversations after the spring game Saturday. However, according to AL.com’s Tom Green, to coach declined to comment on the “family business.”

Ultimately, the main thing is that Bigsby is back and should once again lead the Tigers rushing attack in 2022. He finished with 12 yards rushing on just five carries in the spring game Saturday.

Bigsby came to Auburn in 2020 as the No. 39 overall prospect according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He lived up to the hype, immediately making an impact as a true freshman for Auburn. He rushed for 834 yards and five touchdowns, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Bigsby also earned second team All-SEC honors as a freshman.

This past season, Bigsby again was a key cog in Auburn’s offense, rushing for 1,003 yards and ten touchdowns on 207 carries. He also had 16 receptions for 116 yards.

Retaining his star running back was a small victory in a sea of losses for Harsin this offseason. After starting the year 6-2, Auburn lost its final five games of the season including the Birmingham Bowl in its own backyard. The Tigers lost 20 players to the transfer portal, including three-year starting quarterback Bo Nix and leading receiver Kobe Hudson.

The staff also underwent several changes, with Harsin firing offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. Amidst these changes, many boosters began calling for Harsin’s job, and there was a real possibility that he would be out after a single season. However, the coach managed to make it through the noise and is now prepared to enter his second year at the helm.

After convincing Tank Bigsby not to transfer, he is hopeful for a better performance in conference play this season. With its spring season now wrapped up, Auburn will now begin preparing for its season opener on Sept. 3 against Mercer.