Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze's objective to secure a bowl game in his first year at the helm has been achieved as the Tigers earned their sixth win of the season against Arkansas. However, as the team prepares for the upcoming TransPerfect Music City Bowl matchup against Maryland, the roster will undergo significant alterations due to player transfers and opt-outs.

The wide receiver group and the defensive secondary will be the most affected by these changes. Four receivers, namely Ja'Varrius Johnson, Malcolm Johnson Jr., Omari Kelly, and Jyaire Shorter, have announced their intentions to transfer since Auburn's last regular season game. Among them, Ja'Varrius Johnson's departure stands out as he emerged as Auburn's second-leading receiver in 2023, recording 19 receptions for 347 yards and three touchdowns during the regular season.

Auburn's receiver depth chart is now comprised of Camden Brown, Caleb Burton, Jay Fair, Shane Hooks, Nick Mardner, and Koy Moore. For the bowl game against Maryland, it is likely that Burton, Fair, and Brown will assume the starting roles, as they were the most productive receivers throughout the regular season. Burton had 11 receptions for 148 yards, Brown caught eight passes for 78 yards, and Fair dominated with 30 receptions for 300 yards and two touchdowns.

Thankfully for the Tigers, they will still have the services of tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, who became Auburn's top receiver with 33 receptions, 349 yards, and six touchdowns.

In the defensive secondary, Auburn will face challenges with the opt-outs of DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett for the bowl game against Maryland. These absences deprive the team of crucial experience against the Terrapins. Nevertheless, Auburn has promising young talent in the secondary, including players who saw action during the regular season.

With James and Pritchett out, Auburn will rely on new players to fill the cornerback positions. Keionte Scott, a junior who confirmed his decision to return for his senior season, plans to transition to cornerback starting from the bowl game against Maryland. To complement Scott, a combination of Kayin Lee, JD Rhym, and Colton Hood is expected to compete for the secondary cornerback spot. Lee, who appeared in all 12 regular season games, possesses valuable game experience.

At safety, Auburn will look relatively unchanged as senior Jaylin Simpson and Zion Puckett have both pledged to participate in the bowl game before heading to the NFL at the end of the season. However, with Coach Freeze aiming to provide younger players with playing time, it is likely that sophomore Caleb Wooden and freshman Terrance Love will also see action against the Terps.

With the TransPerfect Music City Bowl fast approaching, Auburn must navigate the roster changes and rely on emerging talent to secure a victorious end to their 2023 season. The alterations in the wide receiver group and the defensive secondary will require adaptability and cohesion as the Tigers face off against Maryland on the specified date.