Auburn transfer safety Donovan Kaufman commits to NC State

After entering the NCAA transfer portal, former Auburn Tigers defensive back Donovan Kaufman had officially committed to NC State.

Kaufman started off his college career at Vanderbilt, where he recorded 15 tackles and one pass breakup in just two game appearances before transferring to Auburn. Also returning five kickoffs for 137 yards.

In his three seasons with Auburn Kaufman appeared in 34 games and made 18 starts, recording 109 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. He also got his hands on six pass breakups, intercepted two passes, and forced six fumbles.

Kaufman entered the transfer portal on January 16 as a graduate transfer, and will now take his talents to Raleigh to close out his collegiate career.

Kaufman played high school football at Archbishop Rummel in Metairie (LA), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 506 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

NC State transfer portal numbers

The transfer portal has been quite favorable for Dave Doeren and the NC State Wolfpack so far this offseason following the team’s 9-4 finish last season.

As of February 1, NC State has had 19 players enter the transfer portal with 11 players committing to play for the Wolfpack from the transfer portal. Given what NC State has lost and gained, the Wolfpack rank at an impressive No. 7 on On3’s 2024 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings with an Index Score of 36.

The Wolfpack lost quarterback Brennan Armstrong to the NFL Draft and hair apparent MJ Morris to the transfer portal, committing to Miami following the season. But they did add former Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall through the transfer portal, who threw for 10,005 yards and 88 touchdowns in his five years with the Chants. Where he was also the only player to earn Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year honors three times.

NC State also added exciting offensive weapons like former Ohio State wide receiver Noah Rogers, former Connecticut tight end Justin Joly, and former Duke running back Jordan Waters. Who each rank within the top 100 of On3’s 2024 College Football Transfer Portal Top Players list.