Breakout Auburn Kicker Ian Vachon Enters Transfer Portal After Memorable Season
In a surprising turn of events, Auburn football’s standout kicker Ian Vachon has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling the end of a brief but memorable stint on the Plains. Vachon, who quickly became a fan favorite after his clutch performance in Auburn’s shocking upset over Texas A&M last season, made the announcement Wednesday via social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Vachon’s journey to Auburn was anything but traditional. Originally a student-athlete at Birmingham-Southern College, he found himself searching for a new home after the small liberal arts school shut its doors. Auburn welcomed him as a walk-on, and while he initially joined the team buried deep on the depth chart, circumstances soon opened the door for his rise.
Entering the 2023 season, Vachon wasn’t expected to see the field, but fate had other plans. With projected starter Alex McPherson sidelined by a persistent gastrointestinal illness and backup Towns McGough struggling with inconsistency, Vachon seized the moment when his number was called. Despite limited reps in practice and little time to adjust to the SEC’s intensity, he stepped up in a major way.
His defining moment came under the bright lights against Texas A&M, when his poise and precision helped secure a dramatic upset win. In that instant, the former walk-on etched his name into recent Auburn football lore, proving he could thrive on the biggest stage. Fans and teammates alike rallied around his underdog story, which quickly became one of the most heartwarming narratives of the Tigers’ season.
Now, after just one year with the team, Vachon is looking for a new opportunity to continue his football journey. While his departure leaves a gap in Auburn’s special teams unit, it also opens a new chapter for a player who’s already shown he can rise from obscurity to stardom.
Wherever he lands, Vachon will carry with him the grit, resilience, and calm under pressure that defined his time at Auburn. One thing’s for sure: his next team won’t just be getting a solid kicker—they’ll be gaining a proven competitor with a story that’s only just beginning.