Auburn’s defense is about to get a whole lot scarier. Da’Shawn Womack, a former 5-star edge rusher from St. Frances Academy (Md.), has officially signed with the Tigers, and this move could be a game-changer for the program. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Womack isn’t a fresh-faced recruit—he’s a seasoned veteran with one year of eligibility left after stints at LSU and Ole Miss. So, what does this mean for Auburn? Let’s break it down.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 265 pounds, Womack brings a blend of size, strength, and experience that’s hard to find. During his time at LSU in 2023 and 2024, he racked up 21 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and four pass deflections. But it was at Ole Miss in 2025 where he truly shined, stepping into a larger role and delivering 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Is this the year Womack becomes a household name in college football? Only time will tell.
Originally ranked as the No. 26 player and No. 3 edge rusher in the 2023 recruiting class, Womack’s talent has never been in question. His addition to Auburn’s roster also strengthens the Tigers’ connection to St. Frances Academy, a high school powerhouse. He joins former teammates Darrion Smith, Bryce Deas, Blake Woodby, and Wayne Henry, creating a mini-reunion in Auburn’s locker room. And this is the part most people miss: Auburn is quietly building a pipeline to one of the nation’s top high school programs—a strategy that could pay dividends for years to come.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture. The NCAA’s new transfer rules, enacted in October by the Division I Administrative Council, have reshaped the landscape for players like Womack. Here’s what’s changed:
- The transfer portal window now runs from January 2 to January 16, instead of opening in early December.
- The spring transfer portal window has been eliminated entirely.
- Graduate transfers can no longer enter the portal at any time; they must adhere to the same January window as everyone else.
- Players affected by coaching changes now have a 15-day window to enter the portal, but only after a new coach is hired—and this window is only triggered if the change occurs after January 2.
Are these new rules fair to players, or do they restrict their ability to find the best fit? It’s a question that’s sparking debate across college football. For Auburn, though, the focus is clear: Womack’s arrival is a win, and his impact could be felt immediately. As the Tigers gear up for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on this former 5-star to see if he can live up to the hype. What do you think? Is Womack the missing piece Auburn needs, or is this just another transfer in a sea of changes? Let us know in the comments!
