Auburn football ranked 12th in the SEC in total returning starters for 2023

The Tigers are going to have a lot of new faces starting on both sides of the ball.

Lance Dawe | Jun 24, 2023

Auburn football ranked 12th in the SEC in total returning starters for 2023 /

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Auburn Tigers

Hugh Freeze has gone out and nearly gotten an entire starting offense in the transfer portal.

The Tigers added 20 players through the transfer portal and nearly enough to make a starting 11 on the offensive side of the ball. If it weren't for RB Jarquez Hunter - who is currently dealing with off-the-field issues - the Tigers would be one position (offensive guard) away from adding an entire lineup.

According to 247Sports, the Tigers have nine total starters returning in 2023, two on offense and seven on defense.

That total is good for 12th in the SEC. Brad Crawford of 247Sports recently released an article ranking the SEC by total starters, and detailed how things could shake out for the Tigers:

"Returning starters at wide receiver, Ja’Varrius Johnson and Koy Moore, are two of the top names in a vastly upgraded position group which includes a couple transfer portal additions. The same goes for Auburn's offensive front. Former Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne is the likely QB1 if he's able to beat out Robby Ashford in August. With star tailback Jarquez Hunter's status unknown for the 2023 season following an off-the-field issue this spring, that means Damari Alston and transfer Brian Battie would handle the bulk of the rushing load. D.J. James and Nehemiah Prichett are returning starters at cornerback."

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