Auburn is expected to take a major hit to its linebacker core for the 2026 season with the expected transfer of starter Robert Woodyard Jr.
Woodyard told On3 on Tuesday afternoon that he’s decided to hit the transfer portal and not return to the Plains for Alex Golesh‘s first season as the Tigers head coach in 2026. The Mobile product stayed in-state and had blossomed into a key member of Auburn‘s defense, being named a first-team all-SEC player by Pro Football Focus in 2025.
He piled up 67 total tackles this fall, 47 of them solo, with 7 tackles-for-loss and 2 sacks while playing 433 snaps, according to the On3 report. Now, the junior who was a member of Auburn’s 2022 signing class is apparently taking his talents elsewhere for the 2026 season.
BREAKING: Auburn starting LB Robert Woodyard Jr. plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3SportsHe totaled 67 Tackles, 7 TFL, & 2 Sacks this season (433 Snaps)Was named 1st Team All-SEC by PFFRepped by Legacy Trust Sports Group t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/2j0hjzmpwx
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 23, 2025Woodyard was a high-profile recruit coming out of Williamson High School in Mobile in that 2022 signing class, although his career at Auburn got off to a slow start. He only played in 4 games during his first season on the Plains, then appeared in just 3 games during the 2023 season.
Things got much better for Woodyard in 2024 though, as he recorded 17 total tackles, 13 of them solo, with 3 tackles-for-loss and 1 pass breakup.
That was followed by this past season’s breakout performance from Woodyard, who now is expected to become the 20th Auburn player to enter the transfer portal when it officially opens on Jan. 2.
Auburn set to lose star linebacker to transfer portal, per report Saturday Down South.
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