IMPORTANT: Why Auburn's Latest Portal Additions MAKES SENSE | Auburn Tigers Podcast

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4.6 • 707 Ratings

🗓️ 21 January 2026

⏱️ 12 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Auburn Tigers signal a strategic shift as Alex Golesh targets portal talent like Kenneth McManus and Kamari Todd, emphasizing depth and future potential. Will these true sophomores become the backbone of Auburn’s quest for bowl eligibility, or will veteran transfers and high-profile recruits dictate the pace? The spotlight intensifies on key position battles—particularly at quarterback, where Tristan Tia and Lachlan Hewlett prepare for a pivotal spring faceoff. Zac Blackerby breaks down Auburn’s evolving roster, exploring how under-the-radar additions from Akron, Chattanooga, and elsewhere may redefine competition in 2026. Insights cover standout sophomores Omar Mabson and Jared Smith, with sharp analysis on Golesh’s approach to fit and development. Whether Auburn can secure a breakout season hinges on these moves and the results of upcoming practice battles. Which backup will rise—Tia or Hewlett—and what does this mean for the Tigers’ future?

Transcript

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0:00.0	You know, I really like some of the late editions Alex Golish added via the portal,
0:05.7	and it could be a sign of what they're also trying to do in the future.
0:14.4	You are Locked on Auburn, your daily podcast on the Auburn Tigers.
0:19.3	Part of the Locked on Podcast network, your team every day.
0:24.5	Yes, welcome on into Locked on Auburn,
0:26.7	your daily Auburn Tigers podcast.
0:28.7	I'm your host, Zach Blackerby,
0:29.7	and thank you so much for making Locked on Auburn,
0:31.9	your first listen every single day.
0:36.5	Want to hop on here for just 10 minutes or so for a little bonus edition,
0:39.8	just to share a few thoughts on some of the late editions happening in the portal,
0:44.5	just due to travel and timing of recordings, haven't been able to be as prompt as we
0:48.7	were at the start of the portal window.
0:52.4	Kenneth McManus and Kamari Todd, two guys that have been added recently, I think are
1:00.3	kind of a sign and a signal and maybe even some sort of symbolism or representation of
1:07.8	what Alex Golish and his staff may be trying to do.
1:10.9	Sure, they can provide depth and competition for market share of snaps
1:16.8	at their respective positions in 2026.
1:20.9	But I also think this is part of the future as well.
1:26.1	So we'll start with Kenneth McManus from Akron, played 504 snaps on the offensive line last
1:34.6	year, and all of them were at left guard.
1:37.6	And then his special team's action came on field goal unit.
	...

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