The Auburn Tigers are set to lose another player to the transfer portal, as tight end Micah Riley has decided to leave the program after spending three seasons with the team. This marks the latest departure following the conclusion of Auburn’s season. Riley’s time with the Tigers saw limited playing time, as he recorded three receptions for 43 yards and two touchdowns across 29 games. He never started a game during his tenure at Auburn, and his role was mainly as a backup behind Luke Deal and Rivaldo Fairweather in the 2024 season. Riley ended his final year with just one reception for three yards and a touchdown.
With Riley’s exit, Auburn will now rely on returning players Brandon Frazier and Rico Walker at the tight end position. Both Deal and Fairweather have exhausted their eligibility, leaving Auburn with limited experience at the position. Despite Riley’s departure, the Tigers still have options, as they also have commitments from members of the 2025 recruiting class—Ryan Ghea and Hollis Davidson—who are set to join the team. However, these players, along with Frazier and Walker, bring little to no experience at the collegiate level, meaning Auburn will need to find ways to develop them quickly.
While the loss of Riley could be seen as another blow to Auburn’s depth, his departure is unlikely to drastically affect the team, considering his minimal involvement in the offense. Riley wasn’t expected to be a major contributor in 2024, given his backup role, so his exit may not create a significant void.
Riley is the second player to enter the transfer portal since Auburn’s season ended. Quarterback Holden Geriner has also been reported to be entering the portal. The transfer portal officially opens on Dec. 9, and more departures could follow as Auburn reshapes its roster. Riley, a three-star recruit out of Nebraska, was ranked as the No. 26 tight end nationally and the No. 4 player from his home state.