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Pleasant one of the top impact transfer players in Week 1

Justin Hokansonby: Justin Hokanson09/03/25_JHokanson
Rayshawn Pleasant (Photo by Auburn Athletics)
Rayshawn Pleasant (Photo by Auburn Athletics)

AUBURN — Rayshawn Pleasant arrived at Auburn with a reputation as a speedster, and it didn’t take him long to prove it on a new stage. Known at Tulane for his knack for flipping games on special teams, Pleasant has already provided a taste of what he brings to the table.

Pleasant’s huge kickoff return for a touchdown at Baylor play earned him recognition from On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos as the No. 3 most impactful transfer of Week 1.

“Rayshawn Pleasant made a name for himself at Tulane for his speed, returning a 100-yard interception in 2024 and scoring two touchdowns on special teams. He picked up where he left off in 2024 in his debut at Auburn. …he did return a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to put Auburn up 31-17 in the third quarter. He reached 20.9 MPH on the kickoff return.”

During his time with the Green Wave, Pleasant delivered highlight moments, including a 100-yard interception return in 2024 and two touchdowns on special teams. That explosiveness carried over to his Auburn debut, where his speed once again changed the momentum of a game.

In the third quarter against Baylor, Pleasant fielded a kickoff deep in his own end and turned it into one of the defining plays of the night. Blazing down the sideline, he covered 98 yards for a touchdown that gave Auburn a 31-17 lead. According to speed tracking data, Pleasant hit a top speed of 20.9 miles per hour on the return.

While he didn’t record a tackle in the opener, Pleasant reminded everyone why Auburn brought him in: game-changing ability in the open field. If his debut is any indication, it won’t be the last time Pleasant makes a significant contribution to an Auburn win.

And something else to keep an eye on. With the injury to defensive back Champ Anthony, who will miss time due to a broken thumb, Pleasant is a top candidate to earn more snaps at the nickel position.

Pleasant chose Auburn over Ole Miss and others in April. He signed with Tulane in the 2022 class out of West Monroe (La.) High School. He was a three-star recruit, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

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