Tristan Ti'a Impresses in Auburn's A-Day Game

Quarterback transfer from Oregon State looks to make an impact in first season with Tigers

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting an Auburn quarterback in motion, with sharp planes of orange and blue representing the team's colors and the dynamic energy of the game.A cubist interpretation of Auburn quarterback Tristan Ti'a's dynamic performance in the Tigers' annual A-Day spring game.Auburn Today

Tristan Ti'a, a transfer quarterback from Oregon State, had an impressive performance in Auburn's annual A-Day spring game. The 6-foot-3 signal-caller completed 15-of-20 passes for 179 yards with one touchdown and one interception, showcasing his arm talent and ability to lead the Tigers' offense. Ti'a, who decided to enter the transfer portal after playing in three games as a true freshman last season, said he was drawn to Auburn's intentional coaching staff and the atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Why it matters

Ti'a's strong showing in the A-Day game has heightened expectations for the quarterback position at Auburn, where he will compete for the starting job this fall. The Tigers are looking to bounce back from a 6-7 season in 2025 and Ti'a's arrival from the transfer portal could provide a much-needed boost to the offense.

The details

In his first appearance in front of Auburn fans, Ti'a displayed the skills that made him an attractive transfer target for the Tigers. He demonstrated good command of the offense, making accurate throws and showing the ability to move the ball downfield. While he did throw one interception, Ti'a's overall performance was a positive sign as he continues to adapt to Auburn's system under new offensive coordinator Alex Golesh.

  • Ti'a played in three games with one start at Oregon State last season.
  • Ti'a entered the transfer portal and chose to continue his career at Auburn.
  • Ti'a participated in Auburn's A-Day spring game on April 15, 2026.

The players

Tristan Ti'a

A transfer quarterback from Oregon State who is expected to compete for the starting job at Auburn this fall.

Alex Golesh

The new offensive coordinator at Auburn, who will be tasked with integrating Ti'a into the Tigers' offense.

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What they’re saying

“It was great. My first time here. Man, that stadium just has this aura to it. It's great, not only just seeing it from outside, but being able to play inside of it as well.”

— Tristan Ti'a, Quarterback

“Went into the portal, they were pretty heavy after me. They made it clear that they really wanted me, and that gave me a good feeling of comfort. And just on the visit here, they showed me everything that I needed, everything that I would want, and more.”

— Tristan Ti'a, Quarterback

What’s next

Ti'a will continue to work with the Auburn coaching staff this offseason to further integrate himself into the Tigers' offense. He will compete for the starting quarterback job during fall camp, with the goal of leading Auburn to a bounce-back season in 2026.

The takeaway

Tristan Ti'a's impressive performance in Auburn's A-Day game has generated significant excitement around the quarterback position for the Tigers. His arrival from the transfer portal provides a talented and experienced option to lead the offense, and his early chemistry with the coaching staff and new teammates suggests he could be poised for a breakout season in 2026.