After Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze announced Saturday that defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett would be one of three Auburn players to opt out of the Tigers’ bowl game on Dec. 30, Pritchett took to social media to confirm the news.

“I will not be participating in our upcoming bowl game because I will be focusing on preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft,” Pritchett wrote in a post to his Instagram, which doubled as a farewell to Auburn.

“Choosing Auburn University was one of the best decision of my life,” Pritchett wrote. “Receiving a degree and playing football at this university were easily some of my biggest blessings. The memories I’ve made at Auburn University will forever stay with me as I continue to work toward my dreams.”

Pritchett arrived to The Plains in 2019 after being recruited as a 3-star athlete out of Jackson. He committed to Auburn over the likes of Appalachian State, Indiana, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, and others.

Last season, Pritchett was faced with the decision to turn pro or return to Auburn. Ultimately, he chose the latter.

During the 2023 regular season, Pritchett appeared in nine games as he missed the first three of the season with an undisclosed injury. In those nine games, Pritchett tallied 22 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception. Pro Football Focus gave him a 71.1 grade for the season as he allowed one touchdown on 26 targets.

PFF ranks Pritchett as the 14th-best cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft, two spots behind his teammate, DJ James.