Hugh Freeze on adding transfer Jacoby Mathews: 'He understands this is his last chance'

Auburn signed former five-star recruit Jacoby Mathews out of the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month. He took an official visit to Auburn on June 16, and is set to be on campus by the start of fall camp.

Mathews is returning to the Division I level after spending one season at the JUCO level in an attempt to focus on academics. He began his college career playing for Texas A&M but transferred after the 2023 season.

“Jacoby, talent-wise the guy’s a five-star talent,” Freeze said after signing the talented defensive back. “Obviously, he did not own up to the responsibilities you have and the accountability that you should have. We’ve had some great heart-to-hearts. I believe with all my heart that he understands this is his last chance.

“And he didn’t do anything. He just did not receive the blessing that he had at his previous school, and I think he’s learned a lesson and adding another elite safety to that group is beneficial to us. We’re excited to give him a chance.”

Mathews was a part of an historic 2022 recruiting class under former head coach Jimbo Fisher. DJ Durkin was a main recruiter as then-defensive coordinator, and Mathews would end up playing 21 games as an Aggie across two seasons. He totaled 66 tackles (46 solo), as well as eight pass breakups and one interception before leaving the program. In 2023, he made 11 appearances with nine starts.

Now an member of the Auburn Tigers, and teaming up once again with Durkin in his first season as the Auburn DC, Mathews has two seasons of eligibility remaining to play for Hugh Freeze and company. He’ll join an already talented group of defensive backs in Auburn’s secondary.

Elsewhere in the DB room, junior Kayin Lee is expected to be one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC this season. Lee totaled 32 tackles, seven PBUs and two interceptions in 2024. Jay Crawford earned All-SEC freshman team honors for his work last season. Freeze also added the likes of Raion Strader from Miami (Ohio) and Rayshawn Pleasant from Tulane to bulk up the room as well.

Auburn kicks off its 2025 season in a true road matchup against Baylor during Week 1. The Tigers will begin SEC play in Week 4 against Oklahoma. However, Mathews has likely already circled the date on the calendar seven days later — Week 5 at Texas A&M.