The Auburn Tigers went 5-7 in 2024, and part of that could be attributed to their youthful defense. As they move into 2025, the veterans they did have either graduated or entered the 2025 NFL Draft. To counter that, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze utilized the transfer portal by bringing several experienced players that could make a massive difference for them this upcoming season. These are the best new defensive faces in 2025.
Caleb Wheatland, Linebacker
As previously mentioned, the Tigers lost several veterans which included all three of their starting linebackers (Eugene Asante, Dorian Mausi Jr. and Jalen McLeod). With only linebacker Demarcus Riddick returning who had significant playing time as a freshman, Freeze needed to replenish the linebacking corps. The first addition was Caleb Wheatland, a transfer linebacker from Maryland. Wheatland stood out as a leader on the Terrapins defense, making 42 total tackles and four sacks as the anchor in the middle.
Alongside Riddick, the pair of Wheatland and Riddick should be a force to reckon with against any opposing offenses, SEC or not.
Raion Strader, Cornerback
Another massive get the Tigers added this season was Raion Strader from the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks. One of Auburn’s weaknesses in 2024 was in the secondary. This led to safety Kaleb Harris starting the whole 2024 season as a freshman. Harris finished sixth on the team in total tackles with 44 and was one of the few bright spots in the secondary.
Raion Strader locks up Cam Coleman. Strader had multiple 1-on-1 wins early in practice. pic.twitter.com/c8j6JV2kBV
— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) August 7, 2025
During this past offseason, Freeze knew he had to get more help in the defensive backfield. Adding Strader, who was one of the best defensive backs in all of college football in 2024 was an easy choice for the Tigers. In his two seasons at Miami, Strader has played in 25 games, making 110 total tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions and 31 pass deflections. His 31 pass deflections led all of FBS in 2024. Granted his competition was significantly weaker than that of the SEC, which he will see this upcoming season. However, it is still an upgrade for Freeze’s defense.
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Rayshawn Pleasant, Cornerback
Rayshawn Pleasant joined Auburn after a strong 2024 campaign with the Tulane Green Wave. After the loss to the Florida Gators in the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl, Pleasant transferred to the Plains and will likely earn the other starting corner spot when it comes to gameday against the Baylor Bears at 8 p.m. on Aug. 29. in Waco, Texas.
Pleasant, like Strader, dominated his competition in the AAC. In 2024, he had 35 combined tackles, over 13 games with a pick-six and a tackle for loss to his name. While the stats aren’t mind-boggling, they are still respectable and something that opposing offenses have to take note of when approaching his side of the field. Freeze will have big plans for him in 2025.
