In the first major flip across rivalry lines in the post-Nick Saban era, former Alabama cornerback Antonio Kite will transfer and has signed with Auburn, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.

More than 20 Alabama players have entered the transfer portal following Saban’s retirement including several key players such as Caleb Downs, Isaiah Bond and Kadyn Proctor.

Kite has played in nine games over two seasons with the Crimson Tide. He played in seven games during the 2023 season, mostly contributing on special teams.

The Anniston, Alabama, native will have three remaining years of eligibility. News of his transfer portal entry broke just minutes before the Alabama press conference to introduce new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Kite is a former four-star recruit who was slotted inside the top 200 players in the 247Sports composite rankings for the high school class of 2022.

Kite will be another young, highly-rated recruit joining an Auburn secondary loaded with several other inexperienced, young, highly-rated high school prospects. Auburn is losing several key pieces from its 2023 secondary to the NFL Draft and transfer portal including DJ James, Nehemiah Pritchett, Jaylin Simpson, Zion Puckett and Donovan Kaufman.

Keionte Scott and Kayin Lee are the only returning Auburn defensive backs with significant starting experience. And Lee specifically will be just a true sophomore next season.

Auburn did add Jerrin Thompson, a safety transferring from Texas, on Monday to give a significant boost in experience to the secondary.

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