Auburn’s defensive line took a significant hit Sunday as two starters announced plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Big Kat Bryant, who SEC coaches named second-team postseason All-SEC, was first to announce he would be entering the portal. He shared a note on Twitter thanking former head coach Gus Malzahn, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and position coach Rodney Garner for their support during his time on The Plains. Bryant wrote, “I have decided it is in my best interest to enter the transfer portal in order to weigh my options for this upcoming season…”

Most players who publicly enter the portal end up leaving the program, though they have the option to withdraw and rejoin the team. Bryant, who was limited by injury at times during the season, recorded 17 tackles, 3 sacks and 4 quarterback hurries.

Fellow senior defensive lineman Daquan Newkirk made it clear that he’ll be leaving Auburn, concluding his note with “one last time, War Eagle!!” This season, Newkirk had 28 tackles, including 3 TFL, 1.5 sacks and 3 quarterback hurries.