Former Auburn safety Craig McDonald is returning home.

McDonald, a native of Minneapolis, announced Saturday night that he is transferring to Minnesota. His decision comes a little more than a week after he re-entered the transfer portal following one season on the Plains.

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The 6-foot-2, 199-pounder saw the field in just two games for the Tigers last season after transferring in from Iowa State last offseason. His first action in an Auburn uniform came against Mercer, and he did not record a stat during his time with the Tigers. It was quite a step back in role for McDonald, who was productive in 2021 with the Cyclones, playing in all 13 games and making three starts. He finished that season with 41 tackles and a team-leading two interceptions.

It did not seem as though McDonald was in for a more prominent role this season, either, had he chosen to stay at Auburn. During the spring, he was seen working with the fourth pairing in the rotation during practices, though he received some second-team reps on defense during the A-Day game. Still, he was behind a group that included expected starters Jaylin Simpson and Zion Puckett, as well as Marquise Gilbert, Cayden Bridges and Caleb Wooden.

McDonald is one of 11 players to transfer out of Auburn since the start of spring practice, joining quarterback T.J. Finley, wide receivers Tar’Varish Dawson Jr. (Colorado) and Landen King, defensive ends Jeffrey M’ba (Purdue) and Tobechi Okoli, Jack linebacker Dylan Brooks, offensive lineman Colby Smith and linebackers Kameron Brown (UT-Chattanooga), Powell Gordon and Desmond Tisdol (Florida Atlantic). The Tigers have also added three transfers since the end of spring practice: quarterback Payton Thorne (Michigan State), wide receiver Caleb Burton (Ohio State) and Jack linebacker Jalen McLeod (Appalachian State).

Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.