Locklan Hewlett leaves USF for Auburn. Is Byrum Brown far behind?

Auburn plucked a quarterback from USF on Saturday, but not necessarily the one you would expect -- at least not yet.

Locklan Hewlett followed Alex Golesh and other USF coaches to the Plains, announcing his commitment to the Tigers after spending one season with the Bulls. He will be a redshirt freshman with the Tigers and have four years of eligibility.

Not long after that, freshman receiver Jeremiah Koger announced he, too, is entering the Transfer Portal.

"This was not an easy decision, and it comes with nothing but respect and appreciation for everyone who has supported me along the way," Koger wrote on Twitter. "Thank you, once again, Coach (Alex) Golesh, my teammates, ahd Bulls Nation for believing in me and welcoming me as part of the USF family. Much love and respect always."

Hewlett might soon have some company from USF in the quarterback room.

Multiple sites have reported that Byrum Brown is visiting Auburn on Saturday. He has a clear path to the starting job if he wants it. The once-presumptive starter for the Tigers, Deuce Knight, has entered the Transfer Portal and is drawing heavy interest. Brown is the fourth-highest rated quarterback in the portal by On3.com.

The migration from Tampa to Auburn may not be complete even if/when Brown signs. He and receiver Keshaun Singleton had great chemistry last season with the Bulls and both are in the portal with the same agent.

It's not all bad news for the Bulls.

Receiver Mudia Reuben announced he will stay at USF after originally declaring for the portal. He finished with 36 catches for 495 yards and five touchdowns, including four in the final three regular-season games, after transferring from Stanford.

Hewlett's departure leaves only freshman Sam Fenton in the quarterback room. Fenton saw no action with the Bulls in 2025.

Ohio State backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has entered the portal and has been linked to USF because of his connection with Hartline. His entry into the portal prompted this Instagram post from star Buckeyes receiver Jeremiah Smith: "Be great, my man."

Another possibility is former 5-star quarterback Air Noland. He had a redshirt season in 2024 at Ohio State, then transferred to South Carolina but didn't see much action. He is looking for a starting job, and the opportunity could be there for him at USF.