Offense
The quarterback position will belong to USF transfer Byrum Brown. Brown has been an elite dual threat quarterback under Alex Golesh, eclipsing 3,000 yards passing and 800 yards rushing in 2023 and 2025 (he had an injury in 2024). Now, he must prove he can do it week-in week-out in the Southeastern Conference.
The running back room returns Jeremiah Cobb. Cobb rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last season and five touchdowns. The additions of Bryson Washington (Baylor), Nykahi Davenport (USF), and Tae Meadows (Troy) provide solid depth to this unit.
The wide receiver room is very transfer heavy. The additions of Scrap Richardson (Notre Dame), Jeremiah Koger (USF), Christian Neptune (USF), Kory Pettigrew (USF), Keshawn Singelton (USF), Chas Nimrod (USF), along with a plethora of tight ends, provide stability to this unit.
The offensive line room is also full of transfers. Derye Plazz (Miami), Kenneth McManus IV (Akron), TJ Hedrick (Ole Miss), Jacob Stroud (Oregon State), Cole Best (USF), Stanton Ramil (Michigan State), Jo Simmons (James Madison), Cole Skinner (USF), and Jack Leyrer (Stanford) all bring something to the table.
Defense
The defensive line room returns Jourdin Crawford, Jared Smith, and Darrion Smith. The additions of Da’Shawn Womack (Ole Miss), Walter Mathis Jr. (LSU), Saint Farrior (App State), Nate Johnson (Missouri), and Cody Sigler (Arkansas State) are massive and bring experience.
The linebacker room is led by First Team All-SEC selection Xavier Atkins. There is no doubt that Atkins will be playing on Sundays very soon. Elijah Melendez, Bryce Deas, and Damarcus Riddick all have potential. The addition of Michael Matthews-Canty (Hampton) provides solid depth.
The secondary returns Eric Winters, Sylvester Smith, AnQuan Feagans, and Rayshawn Pleasant. The additions of Kamari Todd (Chattanooga), Shamar Arnoux (Florida State), Andre Jordan Jr. (UCLA), Jack Luttrell (Arizona), Gavin Jenkins (USF), and Fred Gaskin III (USF) provide solid depth.
Specialists
Kicker Alex McPherson is one of the best in the country and could win the Lou Groza Award. His career field goal percentage (88.9) is the best in Auburn history. Punter Hudson Kaak is very solid as well.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 vs Baylor in Atlanta, GA
- 9/12 Southern Miss
- 9/19 Florida
- 9/26 Vanderbilt
- 10/3 at Tennessee
- 10/17 at Georgia
- 10/24 LSU
- 10/31 at Ole Miss
- 11/7 Arkansas
- 11/14 at Mississippi State
- 11/21 Samford
- 11/28 at Alabama
Final Analysis
Some think Alex Golesh is a good fit, while others think this will crash and burn. Only time will tell on that. Transfers must click early, but the offense should be much improved. Carrying over a topflight defense and meshing new faces will be huge as well. Plus, don’t look at the Tigers October schedule.
