Auburn is expected to lose two notable members of its defense to the transfer portal, according to reports from 247Sports and On3.

Linebacker Cam Riley and versatile defensive back Donovan Kaufman are both expected to depart the team. The news comes shortly after Auburn made multiple changes to its defensive coaching staff.

Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts reportedly will not return to Auburn and will take a new job at Florida. Defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge announced he stepped down from his position late last week.

Both Riley and Kaufman have been consistent contributors to Auburn’s defense over several years with the Tigers and each will have one remaining year of eligibility.

Kaufman came to Auburn in 2021 after transferring from Vanderbilt. He was a starter at safety in 2021 and 2022 before moving into a nickel cornerback role in 2023. Kaufman started in place of fellow defensive back Keionte Scott when he missed time this season with an ankle injury.

With Scott moving into an outside cornerback role next season, Kaufman was largely expected to take his place as a starter going into the 2024 season.

Kaufman had 109 total tackles at Auburn along with two interceptions and six forced fumbles.

Riley has played in 46 games over the last four years at Auburn including all 13 under the first year with head coach Hugh Freeze. He played both inside and outside linebacker positions over his time at Auburn, and during the 2023 season, multiple coaches mentioned utilizing Riley as more of a pass-rushing jack linebacker.

As a result, Riley had 2.5 sacks in 2023 after not having any sacks in his career beforehand. In turn, that meant his total tackle numbers decreased from 65 in 2022 to 32 in 2023.

Auburn added defensive back Jerrin Thompson out of the transfer portal from Texas on Monday. He is the natural fit to replace Kaufman.

Auburn also brought in highly rated high school linebacker Demarcus Riddick who is already practicing with Auburn as well as Dorian Mausi from Duke.

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]