Auburn landed a transfer pledge from former LSU defensive lineman Walter Mathis Jr. on Thursday, according to multiple reports.
Auburn Undercover reported that Mathis has also already signed with the program. A Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School product, Mathis just wrapped up his freshman season with the Tigers and will transfer to Auburn with 4 years to play 3.
In 12 total appearances, Mathis recorded 9 tackles and 1 pass breakup. He also recorded 2 quarterback pressures and 5 stops — plays defined by PFF as tackles that constitute a failed play for the opposing offense.
His most extensive action of the season came against Vanderbilt, where he saw 19 defensive snaps, and Houston in the bowl game, where he played a season-high 20 snaps. He had an 80.2 defensive grade in limited action against South Carolina — his best grade of the season.
For the year, Mathis graded out fairly average across the board — 77.7 tackling, 69.0 run defense, 58.3 pass rush, and 64.3 overall.
The Tigers are up to 26 known transfer additions so far. The group ranks among the top 20 classes nationally.
Mathis was a 4-star recruit out of the 2025 class. Auburn recruited him then and hosted him for an official visit. A year later, when Mathis was back on the market, Auburn didn’t miss a second time.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
