College football never sits still. The recent firing of Auburn Tigers’ head coach Hugh Freeze has stirred up the Transfer Portal, and it’s already causing a lot of buzz. This shake-up opens the door for teams like Notre Dame to snag some talented Auburn players who might be looking for a fresh start.
Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have leaned into the portal before, always with a sharp eye on what the team actually needs. They still focus on high school recruits, but they’re not shy about making moves when the right player pops up. So, let’s talk about which Auburn players could actually make a splash for the Fighting Irish if they end up transferring.
Key Auburn Players Notre Dame Should Monitor
Hugh Freeze’s exit from Auburn has set off a chain reaction, and it’s anyone’s guess who’ll enter the Transfer Portal next. Notre Dame, always on the lookout for smart additions, is probably watching closely. Here are the Auburn names that could end up on their wish list:
Speedster Singleton: A Game-Changing Wide Receiver
Singleton jumps off the page as a top target for Notre Dame. The guy’s a former Georgia Tech standout, and his speed is just ridiculous. He can turn a routine play into a highlight reel, and that’s not something you find every day.
Notre Dame actually tried to land Singleton the last time he was in the portal. They put together a solid pitch, hoping to bring him in.
Why Singleton is a Good Fit:
- Explosive Speed: Singleton can blow past defenders and stretch the field in a hurry.
- Versatility: At 5-10 and 178 pounds, he’s slippery after the catch and adds a spark to any offense.
Singleton might just head for the 2026 NFL Draft, but NIL deals could change his plans. Notre Dame should definitely keep tabs on him, just in case.
Coleman: The Dream Addition
Okay, maybe this one’s a stretch, but Coleman would be a massive get for any program. At 6-3 and 200 pounds, he brings the kind of size coaches drool over. He’s got that boundary presence that can really change an offense.
He wins those tough, contested catches and just bullies defenders. Not many guys can do that consistently.
Attributes that Make Coleman Special:
- Size and Strength: His 6-3 frame makes him a nightmare matchup, especially in the red zone.
- Future NFL Prospect: Everyone expects him to go high in the 2027 NFL Draft, so there’s a lot of buzz around his name.
Landing Coleman would be a challenge, but you can’t help but wonder what he’d do in Notre Dame’s offense.
Blocton: A Defensive Lineman with High Potential
Blocton checks in at 6-3, 300 pounds, and he plays like it. He’s tough, physical, and already has eight tackles for loss in just two seasons. Auburn rotates their defensive line a lot, so that’s actually pretty impressive.
Why Blocton is a Top Target:
- Interior Presence: He’d give Notre Dame some real muscle up front.
- Room for Growth: Blocton’s got a lot of upside, and Notre Dame’s coaches could help him take the next step.
If Notre Dame can bring him in, he’d plug right into their defense and make a difference.
Other Notable Auburn Players to Consider
There are a few more Auburn players worth keeping an eye on. Maybe they’re not top priorities, but who knows—sometimes the right fit comes from an unexpected place.
Smith: An Impressive Freshman Defensive End
Smith is a former top recruit who’s already turned heads as a freshman. At 6-6 and 260 pounds, he’s got the size and athleticism you want on the edge. There’s no real connection to Notre Dame yet, but talent like his doesn’t go unnoticed for long.
Smith’s Key Attributes:
- Size and Athleticism: He’s long, agile, and covers ground fast for a guy his size.
- High Potential: Even with limited snaps, he’s flashed some serious upside.
It might be a long shot for Notre Dame to go after Smith, but sometimes you just have to do your homework.
Williams: A Talented Cover Man
Williams is another interesting name. He’s a 5-9, 168-pound corner who drew a lot of attention in the 2025 recruiting class. He picked Auburn over Notre Dame, but the Irish staff already know what he can do.
Reasons to Consider Williams:
- Defensive Depth: Notre Dame’s got a strong 2026 class coming in, but Williams could still add some nice depth in the secondary.
- Existing Relationship: Mike Mickens and the staff have already scouted him, so there’s familiarity there.
Maybe Notre Dame won’t chase Williams aggressively, but keeping an eye on him can’t hurt.
Strategic Moves for Notre Dame
Hugh Freeze’s firing has cracked open a window for Notre Dame. Suddenly, the Transfer Portal looks a lot more interesting.
Notre Dame could really benefit by targeting key Auburn players like Singleton, Coleman, Blocton, Smith, and Williams. These guys fit some glaring needs and could give the Fighting Irish a noticeable boost.
Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff know how to spot talent. They aren’t afraid to use the portal when it makes sense.
With college football shifting so quickly, Notre Dame’s aggressive moves might just pay off. Who knows where this all leads?
For more details and the latest updates on Notre Dame’s transfer targets, check out the full article on A to Z Sports.
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