Auburn OL DeAndre Carter plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Auburn backup offensive lineman DeAndre Carter intends to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal when it opens Jan. 2, sources confirm to AuburnSports.com.

Originally from Santa Ana, Calif., Carter signed with Auburn in 2024 as a 4-star prospect. He appeared in all 12 games this season for Auburn as a redshirt freshman.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR AUBURN

Auburn loses an interior offensive lineman who appeared in line to compete for a starting position next fall. Carter played in every game this season, yes, but most of his snaps were on special teams. He logged 60 snaps as part of the field goal/extra point unit, while recording 26 along the offensive line.

Carter’s departure isn’t a huge blow to Auburn. Regardless, look for the Tigers to do some shopping along the interior offensive line in the portal themselves.

Departure impact: Moderate

GOLESH ON TRANFER 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.”