​The 2026 football season for the Auburn Tigers is approaching, and as we look ahead to the kick-off, it’s time to spotlight a pivotal member of the 2026 roster. A 2025 transfer from Tulane, Rayshawn Pleasant appeared in 11 games for Auburn last season. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior registered 16 tackles and two interceptions, underscoring his ability to disrupt offenses on the field. But Pleasant isn’t just a force on defense; he also made meaningful contributions on special teams. He served as the Tigers’ primary kickoff returner, averaging 24.2 yards per return and scoring a touchdown.
In his SEC debut against Oklahoma, Pleasant notched a season-high six tackles. His three interceptions for the year came in SEC play against Arkansas, a performance that earned him the Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week honor. His standout play did not go unnoticed beyond Auburn; Pro Football Sports Network recognized him with 2025 First Team All-SEC honors, and Athlon Sports included him on their Preseason First Team All-SEC list this offseason.
In a recent senior spotlight by Auburn athletics, Pleasant explained his decision to join Auburn from Tulane, sharing that he felt drawn to the opportunity to compete on a bigger stage. “I felt like it was the best opportunity for me to be at a big stage,” Pleasant said. “It has always been my dream to play big-time college football. I feel like this place is the best opportunity for that.”
Learn more about Auburn cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant by exploring his 2026 Auburn football player profile below. The profile provides a snapshot of his position, background, and trajectory as a senior entering another season with the Tigers.
Position: Cornerback
Class: Senior
Hometown: West Monroe, Louisiana
High School: West Monroe High
Former school: Tulane
Height: 5-11
Weight: 200
Jersey number: 4
Recruiting class: 2022
Position rank: No. 108
State rank: No. 54
Rating: Three-star (247Sports)
Other schools in the mix: Louisiana Tech, Louisiana, and Memphis
Season-by-season overview and stats:
– 2023: Played 9 games, started 0, with 5 tackles, 0 interceptions, 2 pass breakups
– 2024: Played 11 games, started 1, with 16 tackles, 2 interceptions, 0.5 tackles for loss
– 2025: Played 11 games, started 2, with 16 tackles, 2 interceptions, contributions on special teams as the primary kickoff returner (24.2-yard average, 1 return touchdown)
Strengths noted in the profile include elite tackling accuracy (noted as 71.3 in 2025), strong kickoff return abilities (72.0 in 2025), and a solid catch rate (50% in 2025). Pleasant has demonstrated versatility and leadership on both defense and special teams, making him a key figure for Auburn’s plans in 2026.
Auburn Wire is continually preparing for the 2026 season by profiling notable players across the roster. For more on Rayshawn Pleasant and other Tigers, follow Auburn Wire’s coverage. You can connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheAuburnWire and follow on Facebook for ongoing Auburn coverage. Additional insights and updates are available from our writers, including Jac Myrick, who can be found on X at @Jac_Myrick.
This profile originally appeared on Auburn Wire as part of our player profile series highlighting Rayshawn Pleasant as a potential key leader on defense for the 2026 season.