Player profile: Rayshawn Pleasant set to be a key leader on defense
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The 2026 football season for the Auburn Tigers is on the horizon. As we anticipate the start of the season, let’s introduce you to a key member of the 2026 roster.
A 2025 transfer from Tulane, Rayshawn Pleasant played in 11 games for Auburn this previous season. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior recorded 16 tackles and 2 interceptions. Not only has he shown the ability to make plays on defense, but he has also shown the ability to make plays on special teams. Pleasant served as the main kick returner for the Tigers and recorded an average of 24.2 yards per return and scored one touchdown.
In his SEC debut against Oklahoma, he collected a season-high six tackles. His two interceptions came in SEC play against Arkansas, where his performance landed him the honor of Jim Thorpe Award DB of the Week.
Pleasant was recognized by Pro Football Sports Network with 2025 First Team All-SEC honors. This offseason, Athlon Sports gave him Preseason First Team All-SEC honors.
In a recent senior spotlight by Auburn athletics, Pleasant spoke on why he chose Auburn after leaving Tulane. “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 checking out his 2026 Auburn football player profile below.
Rayshawn Pleasant player bio
- Position: Cornerback
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: West Monroe, Louisiana
- High School: West Monroe High
- Former school: Tulane
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 200
- Jersey number: 4
Rayshawn Pleasant as a recruit
- 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
Rayshawn Pleasant’s career stats
| YEAR | GAMES PLAYED | STARTS | TACKLES | FF | INT | PBU |
| 2023 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 13 | 13 | 35 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 | 11 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 33 | 15 | 56 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
Rayshawn Pleasant’s PFF report card
- 2023: 35.2
- 2024: 65.1
- 2025: 63.9
- Strengths: Tackling (71.3 in 2025), Kickoff (72.0 in 2025), Catch rate (50% in 2025)
Photos of Rayshawn Pleasant’s career
Check out our other Auburn football player previews
Auburn Wire is preparing for the 2026 season by profiling several notable players. Check out the 2026 player profile of your favorite player below.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Player profile: Rayshawn Pleasant set to be a key leader on defense
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