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Auburn CB Donovan Starr to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Cole Pinkstonby: Cole Pinkston5 hours agoColePinkston

Auburn first-year cornerback Donovan Starr has announced his plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Starr registered snaps in two games on defense, but burned his redshirt playing special teams for the Tigers as a freshman. Starr is a former four-star recruit whom Auburn fought for near the 2025 class signing day, and secured his signature late.

Starr is the fourth departure from the cornerback room, joining Jay Crawford, Kayin Lee, and Raion Strader.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR AUBURN

Starr was a promising young prospect at corner, especially with the top of the room leaving the team. Starr has gotten positive buzz since arriving on campus, showing strong speed and coverage ability. This departure is not ideal, especially with the shape of the current cornerback room. Also, Starr was thought to have a chance at playing time moving forward, regardless.

Departure impact: Moderate/Medium

GOLESH ON THE TRANSFER PORTAL, ROSTER RETENTION

Auburn head coach Alex Golesh, who arrived on campus Nov. 30, spoke in his introductory press conference Dec. 1 on the transfer portal and roster retention.

“I think the one thing that doesn’t change is this: You have to be able to identify the immediate roster and figure out really, really quickly who fits,” Golesh said. “And by fits, I don’t mean offensively, defensively or special teams, but truly, who wants to be there. Who’s at least got a chance to buy into what you’re doing, understanding that when you come into a situation where the success wasn’t flowing, change has to be made.”

He also touched on the resources available to Auburn in order to recruit and retain talent.

“The investment that has been made from the administration to go and attack every single part of the recruiting is phenomenal,” said Golesh. “Nothing short of phenomenal. We’ve got every resource known to man right here to be able to go attract, recruit, retain and develop the best talent there is in the entire country.”