An honorable mention All-ACC offensive tackle, is set to join Auburn, according to a report by 247Sports’ Chris Hummer and Auburn Undercover. The former Virginia Tech standout brings two years of eligibility and will strengthen the Tigers’ offensive line as a key transfer portal addition. Chaplin visited Auburn on Saturday and officially signed on Sunday.
Speaking about his decision, Chaplin said, “It’s the people. I feel like I’m at home here. I can just be myself, be Xavier.”
Xavier Chaplin had an impressive college career, earning a spot on the 2023 College Football News All-American Third Team after allowing just five sacks, five quarterback hits, and eight hurries on 402 snaps. In 2024, he started every game at tackle despite battling a shoulder and bone bruise injury, surrendering only two sacks and zero quarterback hits on 300 snaps. His performance earned him another honorable mention on the All-ACC team.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 323 pounds, the South Carolina native redshirted in 2022 after enrolling at Virginia Tech as a 3-star recruit. Reflecting on Auburn, Chaplin remarked, “What stands out? Honestly, everything. Auburn has so much to offer with its rich history.”
Auburn urgently needed a left tackle for the 2025 season, especially after Percy Lewis struggled and was benched during the 2024 season, leading to Dillon Wade moving back outside to left tackle. Chaplin’s arrival bolsters the Tigers’ offensive line and provides vital protection for transfer quarterback signee Jackson Arnold. “It’s very important,” Chaplin noted. “They showed me how much they need me, how they can take care of me, and help me develop into the player I want to be.”
Chaplin is Auburn’s fourth transfer portal addition this cycle, joining quarterback Jackson Arnold, running back Durell Robinson, and punter Hudson Kaak.
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