Well, that changes everything.

Now that Hugh Freeze will be sinking his teeth into the transfer portal, it will be very interesting to see whom he lures to The Plains. He already knows how the NIL works. He knows how to play that game. But let’s be real — what coach at what program pre-2022 didn’t at the very least dabble in it? Some more than others, of course.

But let’s not delve down that rabbit hole — though it does come to mind when the name Hugh Freeze pops up.

No, this particular discussion focuses solely on the transfer portal and the areas of most need at Auburn. And that could very well be influenced by how many players are transferring out under the new regime. There will be some, and already a few have moved on since the Bryan Harsin firing.

So let’s take a closer look at that, setting aside for another possible column what the Tigers could lose in the transfer portal.

Here are Auburn’s 5 biggest transfer portal needs.

1. Quarterback

Freshman Robby Ashford had his moments. He threw for 337 yards and 2 TDs against LSU, and twice he rushed for 100 yards, including a career-high 121 on Saturday at Alabama, which included a pair of TD dashes. This season, he ran for as many TDs (7) as he threw for.

The problem: He threw as many interceptions as TDs. He played like a freshman, as could be expected. Auburn finished the 2022 regular season with the fewest passing yards (2,072) of any team in the SEC.

Now, Ashford did gain valuable playing experience, and he may someday develop into a good quarterback. But Freeze doesn’t have the time to wait. The win-now world we live in won’t allow for it.

Expect Freeze to go all in for an experienced quarterback in the transfer portal.

2. MLB

Senior Owen Pappoe rebounded from an injury last season to finish his career by leading the Tigers in tackles (93), the 6th most in the SEC this year. He finished with the exact same number in his sophomore season, but the injury cut short his junior campaign.

A leader on defense is difficult to replace. Junior Wesley Steiner could step up into that spot. He played in all 12 regular-season games and recorded 46 tackles. But Freeze may decide to go with a more productive player at the key position if he can come up with one in the transfer portal.

3. Offensive line

Two-deep across the line, the Tigers had 7 seniors on the roster. Two more were juniors, and another a redshirt freshman. That leaves a lot of holes to fill in the trenches. Expect Freeze to spend most of his time in the transfer portal concentrating on that very area.

Don’t look for much help, if any, from the 2022 recruiting class. Only 1 interior offensive lineman was recruited. There are 2 more verbally committed for the 2023 class, but Freeze will more than likely be scrambling to put together a formidable group.

4. Edge

Senior Derick Hall finished the regular season 5th in the SEC in both sacks (7.0) and tackles for loss (12.0). There’s little experience behind him. Redshirt freshman Dylan Brooks did see playing time in 9 games and recorded a sack.

It’s yet another area in which Freeze has the opportunity to put on his stamp.

5. Wide receiver

Ja’Varrius Johnson led the Tigers in receiving with only 493 yards, a total that ranked 24th in the SEC. His 26 receptions ranked 47th. And that was Auburn’s best as far as the receiving corps goes.

Johnson may or may not wind up back in the transfer portal (he entered and exited in 2021). But even if he stays, the Tigers have to have more help at the position.

Of course, bringing in a throwing quarterback could only boost the numbers. But if you have the fewest passing yards in the conference, dipping into the transfer portal for a couple of playmakers doesn’t sound like a bad idea.