Hugh Freeze updates Auburn bowl game opt-outs

According to Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze, defensive lineman Marcus Harris, and veteran corners DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett will opt out of the Music City Bowl.

“I’ve tried to get confirmation on that because I never like to speak and say things that are not exactly accurate. I don’t like doing that,” Freeze said. “I believe that DJ (James) and (Nehemiah) Pritchett will not play, as I believe that about Marcus Harris also. I think those guys will decide to opt out.”

Harris has announced his intentions to enter the NFL Draft. While Pritchett and James have not made a formal announcement, both have accepted their invitations to the Reese’s Senior Bowl meaning they will not return next season.

Freeze said on Saturday that he expects everyone else on the team to play without getting into the discussion of those who have decided to enter the transfer portal. Those players are not expected to play.

“I believe everybody else–obviously you have the transfer portal world and it is a little different,” Freeze said. “Maybe that is a whole different discussion. But, I think the rest are planning to play as long as they are healthy enough to play.”

Starting safety Jaylin Simpson has also accepted a Senior Bowl invitation and is not expected to return next season. He is hoping to play according to Freeze.

“I do,” Freeze said. “He’s nursing that hamstring some. But with him, he has intentions to play.”

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Hugh Freeze opines on handling the transfer portal

What will Auburn’s roster look like next season? How many players will Freeze and co. sign in the 2024 class? The transfer portal? Freeze still isn’t sure how it will all play out.

“I don’t think there’s any possible way any coach can sit here and tell you how he’s going to come up with his 85. I’d love to sit here and tell you we’re going to build it with high school kids…I’d love to say that, but this week if I have 10 guys walk in and say they’re going to transfer and I haven’t been recruiting enough high school kids, it’s impossible to say that. I have no idea how the makeup of the 85 will look in what we have to replace. Do we have to replace just 22? Do we have to replace 32? None of us know. I think that’s become the biggest challenge for us coaches is how do we even manage the 85.

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“It will take you all the way through spring and summer to figure that out because of the way the portal windows are set up. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that this portal window we’re getting ready to have is as long as it is. It makes no sense. We have to go through Christmas worrying about people tampering with players on your team. Either they know they are going or they’re not. Give them December 1 through the 10th, make your decision and move on. This idea of this long portal window, it wasn’t made by anybody having to live it, I can assure you.”

And on the topic of re-recruiting your own roster, how will Freeze handle those conversations?

“Only way I know how to be is totally transparent. Tell them the truth. The truth for some is your chances to play here are probably slim. The truth for others is there’s an element of patience that needs to be involved in your decision. If you could just be patient and not listen to the voices that want immediate gratification or certainly, you have the money aspect that’s involved in all of this now. You should choose the place and the culture and environment that’s going to shape you for the long term, the long haul. I think everything is better when you are in that environment yourself. Some need to have patience and other discussions will be truthful with how we see you fitting into this roster.”

Track transfer portal activity

While the NCAA transfer portal database is private, the On3 Network has streamlined the reporting process tracking player movement.

If you find yourself asking, ‘How can I track transfer portal activity?’ our well-established network of reporters and contacts across college athletics keeps you up to speed in several ways, from articles written about players as they enter and exit the transfer portal or find their new destination, to our social media channels, to our Transfer Portal Wire.

The transfer portal wire provides a real-time feed of player activity, including basic player profile information, transfer portal ranking and original On3 Industry recruiting ranking, as well as NIL valuation (name, image and likeness).

Follow the On3 Transfer Portal Twitter account for real-time updates on the transfer portal entries and commitments.