FOX NEWS: Auburn Tigers Head Coach Announces Departure of Two Key Players Today
AUBURN, AL — Auburn Tigers football is facing a shakeup as head coach Hugh Freeze confirmed today that two key players have decided to leave the team. The announcement, which took place during a press conference earlier this morning, has sent ripples through the Auburn fanbase and raised questions about the team’s future heading into the next season.
The first departure, linebacker Owen Papo, has been a mainstay in the Tigers’ defense for the past three years. Papo, a former five-star recruit, has played a crucial role in Auburn’s defensive lineup, known for his ability to cover ground quickly and disrupt opposing offenses. In his statement, Papo expressed his gratitude to the Auburn coaching staff, teammates, and the fanbase, while also confirming his decision to pursue opportunities in the NFL Draft. “This has been an incredible journey, and I’ve grown so much both as a player and as a person. After careful consideration, I’ve decided that now is the right time to take the next step in my career,” Papo said. The linebacker’s decision comes after a season where he showcased his skill set with 87 tackles and two sacks, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive players in the SEC.
Along with Papo, defensive lineman Marcus Harris, a key figure in the Tigers’ defensive front, also announced his departure. Harris, who transferred to Auburn from the University of Kansas in 2021, has been a dominant force in the trenches. His performance last season, which included 50 tackles and 4.5 sacks, played a vital role in Auburn’s defensive strategy. Harris, who was expected to return for another season, cited personal reasons for his departure, though he remained tight-lipped about future plans. “This decision has been incredibly difficult, but I feel it’s the best path for me moving forward,” Harris shared in a statement.
Both players’ decisions are expected to have a significant impact on Auburn’s defensive unit. With Papo’s departure, the Tigers will have to find a way to fill the leadership void left by one of their most consistent players over the past few years. Meanwhile, Harris’s exit leaves a gap in the defensive line, which was already set to be a position of focus for Freeze’s staff heading into the offseason.
In response to the departures, Coach Hugh Freeze expressed his understanding of the players’ decisions and emphasized the need for the team to regroup and focus on the upcoming challenges. “We respect both Marcus and Owen’s decisions, and we thank them for all their hard work and dedication to the program. While it’s always tough to lose great players, we’re confident that the talent on this roster will step up and continue the legacy of Auburn football,” Freeze said. He also mentioned that the coaching staff is actively working to fill the gaps left by Papo and Harris with the team’s recruits and current roster members.
Auburn’s defense has been one of the strongest units in recent years, but with these departures, the team will now look to new leaders to carry the torch. Freeze, who took over the program last year, faces the task of keeping the team competitive in a tough SEC environment. Auburn’s 2025 season will be critical, and with these changes, all eyes will be on how the Tigers adapt and evolve to maintain their place among the conference’s elite.
The departure of Papo and Harris marks the latest in a series of roster changes under Freeze’s leadership, as the Tigers continue to reshape their identity and build toward future success.