The Auburn Tigers football team has bolstered its defensive lineup by securing two players through the transfer portal, continuing their focus on strengthening the secondary. According to Caleb Jones of AuburnSports.com, Auburn has successfully added cornerback Raion Strader from Miami-Ohio and safety Taye Seymore from Georgia Tech. These two players bring valuable experience and skills to Auburn’s defense as the Tigers look to make further improvements.
Raion Strader, a 6-foot, 182-pound sophomore, played for the Miami-Ohio RedHawks, where he appeared in 25 games over his two seasons. Strader’s performance was notable, as he recorded three interceptions, made 110 tackles, and deflected 32 passes. He is highly regarded as a four-star transfer, ranked No. 58 overall and the fifth-best cornerback available in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports. Strader’s journey to prominence began in high school, where On3 ranked him as a three-star recruit and placed him as the No. 209 cornerback in the 2023 class.
Taye Seymore, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 205 pounds, also spent two seasons at Georgia Tech, where he played in 20 games. In 2024, Seymore started in seven games and showcased his skills with 51 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and two pass deflections. Like Strader, Seymore is regarded as a three-star transfer by 247Sports. During his high school career, Seymore was ranked as the No. 1,047 player nationally and the No. 85 linebacker in the 2023 class, according to the recruiting site.
The addition of these two players further strengthens Auburn’s already impressive transfer portal class, which is currently ranked No. 5 nationally by 247Sports. This ranking reflects the team’s significant efforts to improve its roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Auburn’s head coach, Hugh Freeze, has emphasized the importance of adding depth to the secondary after the team lost three defensive backs—Caleb Wooden, Antonio Kite, and Laquan Robinson—who all entered the transfer portal. With the loss of these key players, Auburn has been proactive in addressing the gaps in its defensive backfield.
In addition to the two transfer portal additions, Auburn has also made strides in its recruitment efforts for the 2025 season, particularly in the secondary. The Tigers have secured commitments from four highly ranked defensive backs in the 2025 class. These include two four-star safeties, Anquon Fegans and Eric Winters, as well as two four-star cornerbacks, Donovan Starr and Blake Woodby. This influx of talent from both the transfer portal and the high school recruiting ranks positions Auburn well for the upcoming seasons.
As the Tigers continue to reshape their roster, the focus on strengthening the defense, particularly in the secondary, remains a top priority. The additions of Strader and Seymore serve as key moves in Auburn’s ongoing efforts to build a more formidable defense capable of competing at the highest levels of college football.
With the transfer portal now a major tool for college football teams to improve their rosters, Auburn is making the most of this opportunity. The team’s continued success in acquiring talent from the portal, combined with their impressive high school recruiting class, positions Auburn to be a stronger contender in the coming years.
These moves reflect the growing trend in college football, where teams are increasingly turning to the transfer portal to address immediate needs and strengthen their rosters. For Auburn, the additions of Strader and Seymore offer a significant boost to their defensive capabilities and demonstrate the team’s commitment to improving its roster and competing for championships in the SEC and beyond.
In summary, Auburn’s defensive unit is receiving significant upgrades through the transfer portal, with the additions of Raion Strader and Taye Seymore. These two players bring valuable experience and talent to the Tigers’ secondary, which had been a point of emphasis following several departures. With these additions, along with the commitments from four highly ranked defensive backs in the 2025 recruiting class, Auburn is well-positioned to build a stronger, more competitive defense moving forward. The Tigers’ success in the transfer portal and recruiting is a sign of their commitment to improving and competing at the highest level of college football.
