It remains to be seen what Auburn’s offense will look like following the end of Gus Malzahn’s run and the beginning of the Bryan Harsin era on The Plains but two of the best playmakers on the Tigers’ roster may not stick around to find out.

If you missed it, Anthony Schwartz has made the decision to opt-out of Auburn’s upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup against Northwestern, along with running back Mark Anthony-Richards. Interim coach Kevin Steele confirmed those two opt-outs on Wednesday; while it’s being reported that safety Jamien Sherwood and defensive back Christian Tutt have also opted out.

Steele would not confirm any other Auburn opt-outs, citing the competitive advantage of keeping that information in-house. At this time, it’s unclear if Schwartz has made the decision to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

During his Wednesday afternoon Citrus Bowl media session, offensive coordinator Chad Morris was asked how the Tigers plan to adjust to life without Schwartz in the lineup.

“Eli (Stove) will definitely step into that role,” Morris said. “He’s had ample playing time, he’ll have to get a little more. We try to limit the number of reps our receivers take, just from the course of the game. I anticipate seeing some young guys getting on the field and playing but Eli will take the majority of the reps.”

While losing Schwartz would be a blow, it wouldn’t be that unexpected as the speed receiver could be a coveted NFL prospect after playing for Auburn for three seasons.

One player Auburn fans are hoping to see on the field for at least two more seasons is SEC co-Freshman of the Year, Tank Bigsby.

Arguably the best freshman running back in the nation, there has been some speculation that Bigsby is considering leaving Auburn following Malzahn’s firing.

Morris didn’t do much to temper those rumors when asked if Bigsby was expected to play in the Citrus Bowl.

“Well, we are hoping. We’ll see on that,” Morris replied. “He has definitely had a great year, a phenomenal year. A young man that has an incredible future ahead of him. When you are able to get the ball in his hands, he makes a lot of things right when they aren’t right.”

Auburn fans are counting on Bigsby to do that for a few more seasons.