Roster management in 2021 will be difficult. Here's Auburn's current scholarship chart.

A free year due to COVID-19 and the growing transfer portal will have a massive effect on rosters everywhere. Keep track of the Tigers' situation here.

RB Tank Bigsby, QB Bo Nix and C Nick Brahms (Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics)

Updated: July 2 (Devan Barrett)

The first question Bryan Harsin took at his National Signing Day press conference was about roster management.

And for good reason — the COVID-impacted landscape of college football is going to be a challenge for programs everywhere, especially ones that underwent major staff changes like Auburn.

Two main factors are at play. First, the 2020 season didn’t count toward anyone’s eligibility. Anyone who was a freshman in 2020 will still have four years left to play. Sophomores will have three years and juniors will have two years. That means 2020’s redshirt freshmen and true freshmen could all be on the same clock as 2021’s incoming freshmen.

Second, the transfer portal is more loaded than usual, thanks to impending rule changes about instant eligibility for non-graduate FBS moves. Teams will have to either get creative or save spots in their 2021 classes for more experienced newcomer…