Auburn’s DJ Durkin Sounds Alarm on Explosive Transfer Portal Scandal Ahead of Iron Bowl

Ever get the feeling that Auburn’s football ship is sailing through a perfect storm? With Hugh Freeze’s shocking exit after that gut-wrenching loss to Kentucky and D.J. Durkin stepping up as interim head coach, Iron Bowl week couldn’t have come with more noise, drama, and distractions. Durkin’s debut—a tight 45-38 loss at Vanderbilt—turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg amid what he called one of the wildest stretches Auburn’s program has faced. And just when you thought things couldn’t get more tangled, whispers of opposing coaches nudging Tigers players toward the transfer portal surfaced, hinting at a fever pitch of tampering that underscores a broader chaos in college football. As the Tigers brace to face No. 10 Alabama, the true test won’t just be on the field but in shutting out the static and locking in on a rivalry as fierce as any. Can leadership and history steady a team caught in a whirlwind? Only time—and this weekend’s showdown—will tell. LEARN MORE.

The Auburn Tigers entered Iron Bowl week surrounded by noise, transition, and rising tension. Following the dismissal of Hugh Freeze after the Tigers’ Week 10 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats, defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin was named interim head coach.

His first game at the helm–a narrow 45-38 road loss to the SEC’s emerging force, Vanderbilt–came during what he described as one of the most chaotic stretches the program has endured.

After that game, Durkin raised some tough questions when he revealed that opposing coaches had been urging Auburn players to enter the transfer portal, an accusation of tampering that reflects a growing frustration across college football.

As preparations began for the Iron Bowl, he acknowledged just how disruptive the past week had been. Addressing reporters, Durkin said the off-field interference had peaked during the week of the Vanderbilt game.

“I think that reached an all-time high, probably last week, with the contact and distractions,” Durkin said when asked about tampering attempts (via Auburn Athletics).

He added that Auburn’s focus this week must sharpen, especially with Alabama coming to town.

“I think this week, I really believe that our guys are going to be totally locked in to the task at hand. That’s certainly the challenge,” said Durkin. “It is what it is. It’s the environment we’re in. There’s nothing you can do to stop that, so let’s address it and get their minds in the right place.”

Durkin said the team opened the week by revisiting the history and magnitude of the Iron Bowl, noting that many players will experience the rivalry for the first time. He credited the team’s leadership core with keeping the locker room grounded through turmoil.

“And I do feel like it starts with leadership. I think our leaders on this team are tremendous. They’ve challenged their teammates and everyone to stay where their feet are, stay locked in, and remember we’re part of something bigger than ourselves,” Durkin said (h/t Justin Hokanson of On3 Sports).

Auburn (5-6, 1-6 SEC) now faces No. 10 Alabama (9-2, 6-1 SEC) on Saturday in a game loaded with implications as one of the great rivalries. The Tigers are fighting for bowl eligibility, while the Crimson Tide are clinging to College Football Playoff hopes.

Kickoff for this high-powered matchup is set for 4:30 p.m. PT at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and it will be televised on ABC.

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