BREAKING; Auburn’s Loss, Big 12’s Gain: Former All-SEC DB Keionte Scott Leaves Auburn And Announces Shocking Commitment to Big 12 Program.

Auburn safety Keionte Scott earned First Team All-SEC honors this past season after making significant contributions in the secondary and as a return specialist. However, on Friday, On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported that Scott has committed to the Houston Cougars for his final year of eligibility.

Auburn has seen 18 players enter the transfer portal following a 5-7 season under head coach Hugh Freeze. While Freeze led the Tigers to a Music City Bowl appearance, they ended the 2024 campaign with a 6-7 record after a loss to Maryland. Several other key members of the Auburn secondary, including safeties Antonio Kite, CJ Johnson, and Caleb Wooden, have also entered the portal.

Scott has one year of eligibility remaining. He began his college career at Snow College (Utah) in 2020, where he posted 27 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and three interceptions. Ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect and the No. 2 cornerback in the 2022 On3 JUCO Industry Ratings, Scott transferred to Auburn and made an immediate impact. In his first season, he played in 12 games as a nickelback, recording 53 tackles, four TFLs, one sack, and one interception.

Over his three years at Auburn (2022-24), Scott accumulated 115 total tackles, six TFLs, and one interception. As a punt returner, he also racked up 444 return yards, including a touchdown.

Houston, which joined the Big 12 in 2023, has struggled, finishing 4-8 in back-to-back seasons and failing to make a bowl game. Despite this, the Cougars boast the fourth-best transfer portal class in the Big 12, adding 14 players, including Scott, former Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman, former LSU safety Jordan Allen, and former Baylor offensive tackle Alvin Ebosele.