Auburn CB Kayin Lee intends to enter transfer portal

Auburn starting cornerback Kayin Lee intends to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal when it opens Jan. 2., according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Lee signed with Auburn as part of the Tigers’ 2023 class, flipping his commitment from Ohio State on signing day.

He tallied 31 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception this season. Lee started opposite of Jay Crawford at the position, and Crawford intends to enter the transfer portal as well.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR AUBURN

Auburn is now down both of its starting cornerbacks to the portal, along with backup Raion Strader. It leaves Rayshawn Pleasant, along with underclassmen Donovan Starr and Blake Woodby at the position.

With Auburn not signing a cornerback in its 2026 class, the Tigers need to support the position through the transfer portal.

Departure impact: Major

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.”