Football News: 5-12-2026
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Dudley Dent
May 12, 2026, 8:03:43 AM (2 days ago) May 12
to Tiger Tracks
Auburn Football News: 5-12-2026
Where does the 2027 Auburn football recruiting class stand heading into Big Cat Weekend?:
https://flywareagle.com/where-does-the-2027-auburn-football-recruiting-class-stand-heading-big-cat-weekend
ESPN just put even more pressure on Byrum Brown to deliver for Auburn:
https://flywareagle.com/espn-just-put-even-more-pressure-on-byrum-brown-to-deliver-for-auburn-01krc87e5q9r
CBS Sports setting up Auburn to ruin an SEC rival's season in Halloween clash:
https://flywareagle.com/cbs-sports-setting-up-auburn-to-ruin-an-sec-rival-s-season-in-halloween-clash-01krcd67p30s
2027 Auburn commit breaks containment, catches eyes of viral football account:
https://flywareagle.com/2027-auburn-commit-breaks-containment-catches-eyes-viral-football-account
Why Auburn Stands Out to Top-10 DL Prospect:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/why-auburn-stands-out-top-10-dl-prospect
Ranking Auburn football’s 2026 opponents from easiest to hardest:
https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2026/05/ranking-auburn-footballs-2026-opponents-from-easiest-to-hardest.html
The most important transfer for each of Auburn's Power Four opponents:
https://247sports.com/college/auburn/longformarticle/auburn-tigers-football-schedule-2026-transfer-portal-284954867/#2826755
2 former Auburn tight ends lose their NFL roster spots:
https://www.al.com/sports/2026/05/2-former-auburn-tight-ends-lose-their-nfl-roster-spots.html
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Where does the 2027 Auburn football recruiting class stand heading into Big Cat Weekend?
By Mary Kate Hughes
Fly War Eagle
This weekend, the Auburn Tigers football program will put on its first Big Cat Weekend recruiting event under the direction of head coach Alex Golesh. The event is held annually and is billed as more of a get-together with fellowship and games rather than a logistical program visit.
Big Cat Weekend is often the source of at least a few commits for the Tigers each year, but where does Auburn's recruiting class of 2027 stand heading into the weekend?
According to 247 Sports, the Tigers' class of 2027 contains six commits and is ranked No. 36 in the country. The class is near the bottom in the SEC, ranked No. 14.
The first commit came in February of 2026 from 4-star defensive lineman Donovan Moore from Bessemer, Alabama. He is ranked as the No. 12 overall DL and the No. 5 recruit out of the state of Alabama. Moore chose the Tigers over Alabama and Ole Miss, among other programs.
Next up were a trio of commitments in April. First, 3-star tight end George Lamons Jr. committed on the 18th. From Quitman, Georgia, he is ranked as the No. 16 overall TE and the No. 36 recruit out of the Peach State. Days later, 4-star running back Myson Johnson-Cook announced his commitment. The No. 4 overall running back, Johnson-Cook is from East St. Louis, Illinois, and is the No. 3 recruit out of his state. At the end of April, 3-star inside offensive lineman Jaylon Moore from Fairburn, Georgia, announced his commitment. He is the No. 55 overall IOL in the class of 2027.
May began with the commitment of 3-star wide receiver Brylan Oduor from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Ranked as the No. 52 wide receiver in the class of 2027, Oduor chose the Tigers over Indiana, Ole Miss, South Florida and many other programs.
The most recent commit to join ranks with the Tigers is 3-star quarterback Gary Chatman Jr. from Snellville, Georgia. Ranked as the No. 57 overall QB in the class, Chatman was originally committed to Wake Forest but walked back his pledge just a week before flipping to Auburn.
The momentum seems to be on the rise for Golesh and the Tigers, and hopefully it will carry into Big Cat Weekend.
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ESPN just put even more pressure on Byrum Brown to deliver for Auburn
By Brian Stultz
Fly War Eagle
There’s no question that bringing Byrum Brown with him from South Florida was one of the top priorities for Alex Golesh when he first accepted the Auburn head football coaching job. The quarterback is a proven commodity, throwing for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for 1,008 yards and 14 scores last season for the Bulls.
But how important will Brown be for the Tigers in their hopes of breaking a five-season losing streak? ESPN’s Billy Tucker deemed him critically important, stating that Brown is the top newcomer for Auburn this offseason and the one who can turn the program’s offense around.
“Byrum Brown is the catalyst of Auburn's offensive resurgence, reuniting with head coach Alex Golesh to spearhead a rapid rebuild," Tucker writes. "He is arguably the most prolific dual-threat quarterback in college football, being the only player in 2025 to surpass both 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards, accounting for 42 total touchdowns.”
Byrum Brown has pressure on him to deliver for Auburn
While that is a lot of pressure considering he is making the transition from the Athletic Conference to the SEC, it comes with being the main man on the team and a quarterback in arguably the nation’s top conference. Add in the fact that players are now paid, and I am guessing that Brown earned a pretty penny when he decided to join the Tigers, and the pressure doubles.
Yet Brown won’t have to do much to please the average Auburn fan this season, as they have watched some horrific quarterback play in the past four years, with no solid starter being behind center since Bo Nix in Bryan Harsin’s first season on the Plains.
Golesh, of course, would not have brought him along had he not had total confidence that he would get the job done.
“What makes him special is how he elevates everyone around him,” the coach said. “He makes guys compete at a higher level every single day and demands greatness from himself and his teammates. I'm so excited to see him at Auburn. He loves our offense and system, and honestly, I couldn't be more thrilled that he's joining us here."
Time will tell, but Golesh will either look like a genius or a fool, depending on how Brown plays this season.
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CBS Sports setting up Auburn to ruin an SEC rival's season in Halloween clash
By Brian Stultz
Fly War Eagle
It is unlikely that Auburn will make the College Football Playoff this upcoming season, though we have seen crazier things happen, such as in 2013, when Gus Malzahn led the Tigers to the BCS National Championship Game in his first year on the Plains.
And while Alex Golesh, Byrum Brown and this almost brand-new squad might have eyes on the playoffs, history suggests the Tigers would love to just see a bowl game and a winning season after five straight losing seasons.
But there is still a role that Auburn could play this season: that of spoiler. And for CBS Sports’ Austin Nivison, the Tigers could possibly ruin the playoff hopes of a familiar foe in Ole Miss.
From Nivison:
“The Rebels' schedule is pretty relentless. They play , LSU and in the span of 20 days to start the season. They also have a four-week span in which home games against and Georgia are sandwiched between road trips to Texas and Oklahoma. That month may be what makes or breaks the season for Ole Miss, so Auburn is probably a must-win game. It's hard to imagine the Rebels dropping that one and being in the driver's seat for a playoff spot.”
Auburn could serve up as a trap game for Ole Miss
While Lane Kiffin is now in Baton Rouge and no longer the head coach of the Rebels, Ole Miss still has an extremely talented squad led by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who took the Rebels to the cusp of the national title game this past season. Pete Golding is now in charge after leading Ole Miss on that playoff run, and as Nivison points out, Golding’s team could be overlooking Golesh and his Tigers after such colossal matchups against other programs looking to make the playoffs.
The win would be even sweeter for Auburn fans as Ole Miss’ roster consists of a few former Tigers, including former 5-star recruit Deuce Knight, Jayln Crawford, Antonio Kite and Horatio Fields.
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2027 Auburn commit breaks containment, catches eyes of viral football account
By Andrew Hughes
Fly War Eagle
The Auburn Tigers recently landed 2027 Brookwood (GA) quarterback recruit Gary Chatman Jr., and it's already breaking containment. Chatman's arm has many believing his profile fits a recent viral trend of the ball "zipping" out of QB's hands. One of those is the infamous Dov Klieman.
Klieman isn't an actual NFL reporter, and the person running that account isn't even the namesake anymore. Still, the account is one that generates millions of views every day. Chatman was the most recent feature:
https://twitter.com/i/status/2053917090856464642
Gary Chatman Jr. committed to Auburn because of Joel Gordon. When will he be unleashed in Tigers' offense?
Chatman has announced a legitimate, full commitment to Auburn, telling Rivals, “With this commitment, I’m shutting it down. I am not visiting anywhere else… I am all Auburn." From the sounds of it, offensive coordinator Joel Gordon was the one who sealed the deal for Chatman to commit to the Plains.
“He’s a great guy, and you can tell he loves football. Coach Gordon has been around some great players, he has developed some great quarterbacks, and he knows how to teach and develop. He has been around Brock Purdy and Byrum Brown — that is elite talent. He came out to see me in April, then again in May, and we are developing a great relationship," Chatman said.
Joining a fast-paced offense will be a good fit for Chatman, a dual-threat who thrives on quick reads and improvisation. He won't take over in 2027 during his freshman year, with Oregon State Beavers transfer and A-Day MVP Tristan Ti'a looking like an early front-runner to take over once Byrum Brown leaves AU after the 2026 season, hopefully for the 2027 NFL draft.
Whenever he does take over, though, Chatman will have many sold on his abilities off the eye-test alone. Hopefully, the fit with Gordon will bring that arm to life.
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Why Auburn Stands Out to Top-10 DL Prospect
By Brooks Crew
Auburn Daily
The Auburn Tigers have produced several top defensive linemen over recent years, and DJ Durkin seems determined to make sure that trend continues. Recently, the Tigers took a step towards potentially keeping that dominance by offering Cory Cunningham, a top-10 defensive lineman in his class.
Cunningham is a four-star defensive lineman who hails from Providence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, and he is currently rated as the 10th-best defensive lineman in the 2028 class as well as the fourth-best in-class player from the Tar Heel State.
After Cunningham received his offer, Auburn Tigers on SI caught up with the top-rated lineman to talk all things Auburn.
“[What stands out to me about Auburn is] how dedicated they are to recruit the guys that they need and how they actually develop the guys they get,” he said. “Getting the offer went very well… it’s a true blessing to see that schools such as Auburn have a genuine interest in me and my style of play, and how I am just as a human.”
Cunningham has not quite put together a board of his top schools yet, though he maintains that Auburn has been showing him lots of attention.
“I would say Auburn is just on the same level as all the schools I’ve spoken to, all schools have been showing me lots of Love,” he said. “I’m planning on coming to the campus.”
As one of the top recruits in his class, Cunningham has his sights set on a goal that some may think to be impossible in the modern age, but he certainly has the skills to achieve it.
“[I want to] come in playing and starting as a True Freshman,” he said. “I want the coaches to know how fluent I am at my style of game, I’m not just a 3 technique, you can move me up and down the line, and I’ll execute my mission no matter what.”
Cunningham could be a massive pickup for a Tiger 2028 class that has yet to land a recruit. Though the Tigers have not had any massive (pun only slightly intended) defensive lineman pickups in recent years, four of their 10 highest-rated all-time recruits have been defensive linemen, so there is certainly a tradition to uphold on the Plains.
However, Cunningham already holds offers from a litany of top programs, including Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Ohio State and more, so it will certainly be a dogfight to land one of the highest-rated recruits in the 2028 class.
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Ranking Auburn football’s 2026 opponents from easiest to hardest
By Peter Rauterkus
al.com
This upcoming season will be Auburn’s first under new head coach Alex Golesh, as the Tigers look to post their first winning season since 2020.
Like most years, though, Auburn’s schedule won’t be easy. Now playing nine SEC games, there are few easy games for Auburn in 2026. With a rebuilt roster, the Tigers hope to fare better against the SEC than they did the last two seasons.
With that said, here’s how we ranked Auburn’s 2026 opponents from easiest to hardest.
12. Samford
As the only FCS opponent on Auburn’s schedule, Samford is a straightforward choice for the Tigers’ easiest game this season. On top of being a division below Auburn, Samford finished 1-11 in 2025. This game falls on Nov. 21 and serves as a tune up before the Iron Bowl.
11. Southern Miss
Southern Miss is the only other non-Power Four opponent on Auburn’s schedule, making it the next easiest game. The Golden Eagles ranked 131st out of 138 Division I teams in ESPN’s initial SP+ rankings for the 2026 season, meaning they shouldn’t give Auburn much of a challenge.
10. Baylor
This is where the selections start to get difficult. Baylor is Auburn’s season opener, which can provide extra difficulty in itself, but the Bears don’t go into 2026 with high expectations.
They had to rebuild on offense after losing key players like starting quarterback Sawyer Robertson and running back Bryson Washington, who transferred to Auburn. The Tigers beat Baylor in Waco last season and will be expected to do the same in Atlanta on Sept. 5.
9. Arkansas
None of the opponents from here on out are pushovers, but Arkansas and Mississippi State go into 2026 as the weakest SEC teams on Auburn’s schedule. Arkansas falls a spot lower on this list due to the game being at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
After firing head coach Sam Pittman, the Razorbacks hired former Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield this offseason. Arkansas signed a large transfer class, but it ranked 13th in the SEC, per 247Sports, despite including 42 players.
This game falls on Nov. 7, as Auburn comes off a stretch of games against Georgia, LSU and Ole Miss. That stretch will test Auburn’s durability, but the Tigers will likely be favored to beat the Razorbacks at home.
8. Mississippi State
Auburn’s matchup with Mississippi State comes one week after the home game against Arkansas. Having to play the Bulldogs in Starkville makes this matchup slightly more difficult, despite Mississippi State and Arkansas being similar on paper.
The Bulldogs are going into Year 3 under head coach Jeff Lebby, who is 7-18 through his first two seasons. They showed more promise last season, but don’t have the same level of talent, on paper, that schools in the top half of the SEC do.
Given the game’s location, it’s hard to call right now who would be favored between in this game. Compared to the other SEC teams Auburn will face, though, No. 8 is a fair ranking.
7. Vanderbilt
Facing Vanderbilt in 2026 might not be the challenge it was last season, but that doesn’t mean the Commodores are an easy out. Even without Diego Pavia, they rank just outside the top 30 of ESPN’s SP+ rankings as No. 31. For context, Auburn ranks 26th.
Vanderbilt will have to rebuild on offense after Pavia’s college career ended after last season. Top pass catcher Eli Stowers is also gone, meaning Vanderbilt will need to find new playmakers on offense.
Despite that, Vanderbilt’s offense still ranks 15th nationally, per the SP+ rankings. Auburn also hasn’t beaten the Commodores since 2023, making this game far from easy.
6. Florida
Florida is Auburn’s SEC opener, and the matchup features two programs in similar positions. Both have a first-year head coach, and both of those coaches were names to watch in the American Conference last season.
It’s hard to pick a favorite in this game at the moment, as both teams go into this season with as many questions as they have strengths. The game is in Auburn, though, which could give a slight advantage to the Tigers.
This might be the final game on this list that Auburn will be favored in, but it seems to be the toughest of the toss up games.
5. Ole Miss
Games against Ole Miss and Tennessee both have an argument for No. 5, but the Rebels enter the season in the midst of a larger transition. Pete Golding enters his first season as a head coach after Lane Kiffin departed Oxford for LSU, but the Rebels still retained key players such as Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy.
That makes Ole Miss a tough team to face, which is compounded by the fact that Auburn plays the Rebels in Oxford. On top of that, it comes after games against Georgia and LSU.
4. Tennessee
This might be Auburn’s biggest early-season test and starts a gauntlet during the month of October. Tennessee is replacing its starting quarterback in 2026, but still has the fourth-best offense in ESPN’s SP+ rankings.
It will be somewhat of a homecoming for Golesh, who was once Josh Heupel’s offensive coordinator in Knoxville. The Vols will likely be favored in the game and playing your first road game of the season at Neyland Stadium is never an easy task.
3. LSU
LSU has become one of the most talked about teams in college football this offseason following Kiffin’s arrival. After reportedly spending $40 million on the roster, LSU is expected to be one of the most talented teams in the SEC.
With big-name signees like quarterback Sam Leavitt and offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, LSU signed the top transfer portal class in the country this offseason, according to 247Sports.
Auburn gets to play LSU at home, but it will still be one of its toughest games in 2026. LSU is likely to be favored, but if there’s any week for Auburn to pull an upset this season, this might be the one.
2. Alabama
Auburn will have to travel to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl this season, somewhere the Tigers haven’t won since 2010. Golesh is already emphasizing the importance of that game with the team, but that doesn’t make the task much easier.
1. Georgia
Like most seasons in the past decade, Georgia will be Auburn’s toughest game in 2026. The Tigers will face the Bulldogs in Athens, somewhere Auburn hasn’t won in 21 years. Breaking that streak this year will be especially challenging.
Georgia goes into the season with one of the best rosters in the country. The Bulldogs rank fourth in ESPN’s SP+ rankings and are coming off an SEC championship and College Football Playoff Berth.
Georgia will likely be a heavy favorite when it faces Auburn, and the Tigers will need an inspired performance to beat the Bulldogs in Athens.
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The most important transfer for each of Auburn's Power Four opponents
By Nathan King
Much like Auburn set out to do this offseason, the rest of the SEC's teams aimed to improve their rosters via college football free agency, including some who are breaking in new head coaches, like the Tigers, and needed to undergo some major heavy lifting in the portal.
Some of the best transfer players in the country will face the Tigers next season. Here is the most important transfer addition for each of Auburn's Power Four opponents this fall.
BAYLOR: QB DJ LAGWAY
Auburn vs. Baylor: Sept. 5 (Atlanta)
There are a ton of question marks for a Baylor offense that lost its quarterback, running back (Bryson Washington transferred to Auburn) and multiple wide receivers, leading to the Bears currently ranking No. 102 in ESPN's offensive returning production for next year. Potential hot-seat coach Dave Aranda hopes Florida transfer DJ Lagway, a former 5-star recruit, can be a big-time player at quarterback. Baylor may have even more questions to answer on the other side of the ball, where Aranda's group was No. 122 last year in scoring defense.
Baylor's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 30
FLORIDA: QB AARON PHILO
Auburn vs. Florida: Sept. 19
Arguably the most important hire for new Gators coach Jon Sumrall was luring Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, one of the hottest names of the offseason. Faulkner brought over Philo, who is viewed as Florida's likely starter at QB, though returning redshirt freshman Tramell Jones made things interesting in the spring. Florida's top-rated transfer pickup was former Auburn receiver Eric Singleton Jr.
Florida's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 28
VANDERBILT: DB RICARDO JONES
Auburn vs. Vanderbilt: Sept. 26
Vanderbilt ranks No. 115 in ESPN's offensive returning production after not only losing star quarterback Diego Pavia, but a number of other pieces for 5-star freshman QB Jared Curtis, who is expected to run the offense next year. So we could go down a list of comparable offensive additions through the portal for the Commodores, like a new tight end to replace Eli Stowers and a couple new offensive linemen, but instead we'll give the nod to arguably Vanderbilt's top defensive addition, Jones, who helps to replace some impressive players in the secondary from last season. Jones started two years for Clemson at safety and had a whopping six interceptions last season.
Vanderbilt's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 44
TENNESSEE: EDGE CHAZ COLEMAN
Auburn at Tennessee: Oct. 13
The Volunteers made a massive splash when they landed Coleman, a prized transfer who followed former Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Knoxville. Coleman got on the field right away as a true freshman and now adds to a Tennessee defense that needed some personnel help in the offseason, after ranking toward the bottom of the league in most categories under coordinator Tim Banks, who is now Auburn's safeties coach. However, Coleman missed the final few spring practices for undisclosed reasons. Former Auburn starting cornerback Kayin Lee also transferred to Tennessee, along with a few other Penn State transfers who came with Knowles.
Tennessee's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 22
GEORGIA: WR ISIAH CANION
Auburn at Georgia: Oct. 17
Kirby Smart doesn't usually bring in a large volume of players in the portal, but he does pluck some of the best available transfers. He did so in swiping Canion from rival Georgia Tech, after he posted 480 yards and four touchdowns last season, adding a proven weapon for quarterback Gunner Stockton following two outgoing NFL draft picks at wide receiver. Georgia also had high hopes for former Auburn edge rusher Amaris Williams before he tore his ACL this spring.
Georgia's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 32
LSU: QB SAM LEAVITT
Auburn vs. LSU: Oct. 24
Lane Kiffin did what he does best and brought in the nation's best transfer class for his first season in Baton Rouge, led by Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt at quarterback. Leavitt has been dealing with a foot injury and missed spring practice, but Kiffin said just last week that Leavitt is expected to be fully cleared for the summer. Take your pick of any number of incoming LSU transfers as being impact players, though, including star Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and Ole Miss edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen.
LSU's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 1
OLE MISS: OT CARIUS CURNE
Ole Miss' 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 2
Maybe Ole Miss didn't need Kiffin to clean up in the portal, as the Rebels claimed 247Sports' No. 2 overall transfer class. With Auburn transfers Deuce Knight, Jay Crawford and Horatio Fields also in the mix, Ole Miss' biggest portal pickup was arguably LSU offensive tackle Carius Curne, who started at left tackle as a true freshman. Curne figures to be a pivotal piece for the Rebels' success on offense with Trinidad Chambliss, who will now be one of the most anticipated quarterbacks in the country next season.
Auburn at Ole Miss: Oct. 31
ARKANSAS: OT BRYANT WILLIAMS
Auburn vs. Arkansas: Nov. 7
There's not necessarily a ton to write home about in terms of high-level transfer additions for new Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield. Despite bringing in 42 transfers, the Razorbacks still rank outside the top 30 in terms of portal hauls. Louisiana transfer Bryant Williams was one of the most sought-after offensive tackles from the Group of Six level, while Tulane transfer cornerback Jahiem Johnson was a coveted player on defense. Arkansas, like Auburn, figures to have a transfer-laden offensive line, though the Razorbacks don't have a proven name at quarterback, with redshirt sophomore KJ Jackson likely taking the reins.
Arkansas' 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 31
MISSISSIPPI STATE: WR MARQUIS JOHNSON
Auburn at Mississippi State: Nov. 14
Third-year Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby hopes he found something late last season in Kamario Taylor, who shined late last season as only a true freshman. Surrounding Taylor with a competent offense will be the goal, and having Fluff Bothwell back at running back is a good place to start, and Lebby got Missouri transfer Marquis Johnson in the portal to be a top option at receiver, after accounting for more than 1,000 yards in three seasons with the Tigers. The offensive line may be a bigger question mark, as Mississippi State appears to be relying on a lot of unproven players, like former Auburn recruiting targets Mario Nash Jr. (Florida State transfer) and DJ Chester (LSU transfer).
Mississippi State's 247Sports transfer class rank: Nov. 14
ALABAMA: OT JAYVIN JAMES
Auburn at Alabama: Nov. 27
This pick would probably have gone to NC State transfer receiver Noah Rogers had he not torn his ACL in the spring, considering Alabama's need for another go-to target in the passing game after losing Germie Bernard to the transfer portal and Isaiah Horton to Texas A&M. So for an Alabama offense breaking in a new quarterback, we'll look to the offensive line, where coordinator Ryan Grubb named redshirt freshman Jackson Lloyd the starting left tackle after just four practices, putting even more importance on Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James to produce on the other side at right tackle. The Crimson Tide need a few unproven players to step up on the O-line in 2026, but James is a former SEC starter who will be counted upon to be a consistent player.
Alabama's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 17
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2 former Auburn tight ends lose their NFL roster spots
By Mark Inabinett
al.com
Two Auburn tight ends lost their NFL roster spots on Monday, according to the NFL’s transactions report, as the Cleveland Browns waived Sal Cannella and the Atlanta Falcons waived Brandon Frazier.
Frazier had signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent after being passed over in the NFL Draft last month. He got his first work with Atlanta over the weekend at rookie minicamp.
On Monday, the Falcons waived four of their recently signed rookies to put four of the 24 tryout players from rookie minicamp on the 90-man offseason roster.
Cannella made his NFL debut during the 2025 season and had re-signed with the Browns in January. Cleveland released Cannella to clear a roster spot for Michael Coats, an undrafted defensive back from West Virginia.
Cannella was in training camp with the Miami Dolphins in 2021, Green Bay Packers in 2022, Seattle Seahawks in 2023, Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024 and Cleveland in 2025 without reaching the regular-season roster. But unlike those other teams, the Browns kept Cannella by signing him for their practice squad.
Cannella played in Cleveland’s final two games of the season as a practice-squad elevation. He caught two passes for 11 yards.
After Cannella closed his Auburn career with a 37-yard touchdown on a pass from quarterback Bo Nix against Minnesota in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1, 2020, the tight end played two years in the Spring League, one season in the USFL, one season in the XFL and two seasons in the UFL. He earned All-USFL recognition with the New Orleans Breakers in that league’s Birmingham-based revival in 2022 and All-UFL recognition with the Arlington Renegades in 2025.
Where does the 2027 Auburn football recruiting class stand heading into Big Cat Weekend?:
https://flywareagle.com/where-does-the-2027-auburn-football-recruiting-class-stand-heading-big-cat-weekend
ESPN just put even more pressure on Byrum Brown to deliver for Auburn:
https://flywareagle.com/espn-just-put-even-more-pressure-on-byrum-brown-to-deliver-for-auburn-01krc87e5q9r
CBS Sports setting up Auburn to ruin an SEC rival's season in Halloween clash:
https://flywareagle.com/cbs-sports-setting-up-auburn-to-ruin-an-sec-rival-s-season-in-halloween-clash-01krcd67p30s
2027 Auburn commit breaks containment, catches eyes of viral football account:
https://flywareagle.com/2027-auburn-commit-breaks-containment-catches-eyes-viral-football-account
Why Auburn Stands Out to Top-10 DL Prospect:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/why-auburn-stands-out-top-10-dl-prospect
Ranking Auburn football’s 2026 opponents from easiest to hardest:
https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2026/05/ranking-auburn-footballs-2026-opponents-from-easiest-to-hardest.html
The most important transfer for each of Auburn's Power Four opponents:
https://247sports.com/college/auburn/longformarticle/auburn-tigers-football-schedule-2026-transfer-portal-284954867/#2826755
2 former Auburn tight ends lose their NFL roster spots:
https://www.al.com/sports/2026/05/2-former-auburn-tight-ends-lose-their-nfl-roster-spots.html
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Where does the 2027 Auburn football recruiting class stand heading into Big Cat Weekend?
By Mary Kate Hughes
Fly War Eagle
This weekend, the Auburn Tigers football program will put on its first Big Cat Weekend recruiting event under the direction of head coach Alex Golesh. The event is held annually and is billed as more of a get-together with fellowship and games rather than a logistical program visit.
Big Cat Weekend is often the source of at least a few commits for the Tigers each year, but where does Auburn's recruiting class of 2027 stand heading into the weekend?
According to 247 Sports, the Tigers' class of 2027 contains six commits and is ranked No. 36 in the country. The class is near the bottom in the SEC, ranked No. 14.
The first commit came in February of 2026 from 4-star defensive lineman Donovan Moore from Bessemer, Alabama. He is ranked as the No. 12 overall DL and the No. 5 recruit out of the state of Alabama. Moore chose the Tigers over Alabama and Ole Miss, among other programs.
Next up were a trio of commitments in April. First, 3-star tight end George Lamons Jr. committed on the 18th. From Quitman, Georgia, he is ranked as the No. 16 overall TE and the No. 36 recruit out of the Peach State. Days later, 4-star running back Myson Johnson-Cook announced his commitment. The No. 4 overall running back, Johnson-Cook is from East St. Louis, Illinois, and is the No. 3 recruit out of his state. At the end of April, 3-star inside offensive lineman Jaylon Moore from Fairburn, Georgia, announced his commitment. He is the No. 55 overall IOL in the class of 2027.
May began with the commitment of 3-star wide receiver Brylan Oduor from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Ranked as the No. 52 wide receiver in the class of 2027, Oduor chose the Tigers over Indiana, Ole Miss, South Florida and many other programs.
The most recent commit to join ranks with the Tigers is 3-star quarterback Gary Chatman Jr. from Snellville, Georgia. Ranked as the No. 57 overall QB in the class, Chatman was originally committed to Wake Forest but walked back his pledge just a week before flipping to Auburn.
The momentum seems to be on the rise for Golesh and the Tigers, and hopefully it will carry into Big Cat Weekend.
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ESPN just put even more pressure on Byrum Brown to deliver for Auburn
By Brian Stultz
Fly War Eagle
There’s no question that bringing Byrum Brown with him from South Florida was one of the top priorities for Alex Golesh when he first accepted the Auburn head football coaching job. The quarterback is a proven commodity, throwing for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for 1,008 yards and 14 scores last season for the Bulls.
But how important will Brown be for the Tigers in their hopes of breaking a five-season losing streak? ESPN’s Billy Tucker deemed him critically important, stating that Brown is the top newcomer for Auburn this offseason and the one who can turn the program’s offense around.
“Byrum Brown is the catalyst of Auburn's offensive resurgence, reuniting with head coach Alex Golesh to spearhead a rapid rebuild," Tucker writes. "He is arguably the most prolific dual-threat quarterback in college football, being the only player in 2025 to surpass both 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards, accounting for 42 total touchdowns.”
Byrum Brown has pressure on him to deliver for Auburn
While that is a lot of pressure considering he is making the transition from the Athletic Conference to the SEC, it comes with being the main man on the team and a quarterback in arguably the nation’s top conference. Add in the fact that players are now paid, and I am guessing that Brown earned a pretty penny when he decided to join the Tigers, and the pressure doubles.
Yet Brown won’t have to do much to please the average Auburn fan this season, as they have watched some horrific quarterback play in the past four years, with no solid starter being behind center since Bo Nix in Bryan Harsin’s first season on the Plains.
Golesh, of course, would not have brought him along had he not had total confidence that he would get the job done.
“What makes him special is how he elevates everyone around him,” the coach said. “He makes guys compete at a higher level every single day and demands greatness from himself and his teammates. I'm so excited to see him at Auburn. He loves our offense and system, and honestly, I couldn't be more thrilled that he's joining us here."
Time will tell, but Golesh will either look like a genius or a fool, depending on how Brown plays this season.
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CBS Sports setting up Auburn to ruin an SEC rival's season in Halloween clash
By Brian Stultz
Fly War Eagle
It is unlikely that Auburn will make the College Football Playoff this upcoming season, though we have seen crazier things happen, such as in 2013, when Gus Malzahn led the Tigers to the BCS National Championship Game in his first year on the Plains.
And while Alex Golesh, Byrum Brown and this almost brand-new squad might have eyes on the playoffs, history suggests the Tigers would love to just see a bowl game and a winning season after five straight losing seasons.
But there is still a role that Auburn could play this season: that of spoiler. And for CBS Sports’ Austin Nivison, the Tigers could possibly ruin the playoff hopes of a familiar foe in Ole Miss.
From Nivison:
“The Rebels' schedule is pretty relentless. They play , LSU and in the span of 20 days to start the season. They also have a four-week span in which home games against and Georgia are sandwiched between road trips to Texas and Oklahoma. That month may be what makes or breaks the season for Ole Miss, so Auburn is probably a must-win game. It's hard to imagine the Rebels dropping that one and being in the driver's seat for a playoff spot.”
Auburn could serve up as a trap game for Ole Miss
While Lane Kiffin is now in Baton Rouge and no longer the head coach of the Rebels, Ole Miss still has an extremely talented squad led by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who took the Rebels to the cusp of the national title game this past season. Pete Golding is now in charge after leading Ole Miss on that playoff run, and as Nivison points out, Golding’s team could be overlooking Golesh and his Tigers after such colossal matchups against other programs looking to make the playoffs.
The win would be even sweeter for Auburn fans as Ole Miss’ roster consists of a few former Tigers, including former 5-star recruit Deuce Knight, Jayln Crawford, Antonio Kite and Horatio Fields.
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2027 Auburn commit breaks containment, catches eyes of viral football account
By Andrew Hughes
Fly War Eagle
The Auburn Tigers recently landed 2027 Brookwood (GA) quarterback recruit Gary Chatman Jr., and it's already breaking containment. Chatman's arm has many believing his profile fits a recent viral trend of the ball "zipping" out of QB's hands. One of those is the infamous Dov Klieman.
Klieman isn't an actual NFL reporter, and the person running that account isn't even the namesake anymore. Still, the account is one that generates millions of views every day. Chatman was the most recent feature:
https://twitter.com/i/status/2053917090856464642
Gary Chatman Jr. committed to Auburn because of Joel Gordon. When will he be unleashed in Tigers' offense?
Chatman has announced a legitimate, full commitment to Auburn, telling Rivals, “With this commitment, I’m shutting it down. I am not visiting anywhere else… I am all Auburn." From the sounds of it, offensive coordinator Joel Gordon was the one who sealed the deal for Chatman to commit to the Plains.
“He’s a great guy, and you can tell he loves football. Coach Gordon has been around some great players, he has developed some great quarterbacks, and he knows how to teach and develop. He has been around Brock Purdy and Byrum Brown — that is elite talent. He came out to see me in April, then again in May, and we are developing a great relationship," Chatman said.
Joining a fast-paced offense will be a good fit for Chatman, a dual-threat who thrives on quick reads and improvisation. He won't take over in 2027 during his freshman year, with Oregon State Beavers transfer and A-Day MVP Tristan Ti'a looking like an early front-runner to take over once Byrum Brown leaves AU after the 2026 season, hopefully for the 2027 NFL draft.
Whenever he does take over, though, Chatman will have many sold on his abilities off the eye-test alone. Hopefully, the fit with Gordon will bring that arm to life.
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Why Auburn Stands Out to Top-10 DL Prospect
By Brooks Crew
Auburn Daily
The Auburn Tigers have produced several top defensive linemen over recent years, and DJ Durkin seems determined to make sure that trend continues. Recently, the Tigers took a step towards potentially keeping that dominance by offering Cory Cunningham, a top-10 defensive lineman in his class.
Cunningham is a four-star defensive lineman who hails from Providence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, and he is currently rated as the 10th-best defensive lineman in the 2028 class as well as the fourth-best in-class player from the Tar Heel State.
After Cunningham received his offer, Auburn Tigers on SI caught up with the top-rated lineman to talk all things Auburn.
“[What stands out to me about Auburn is] how dedicated they are to recruit the guys that they need and how they actually develop the guys they get,” he said. “Getting the offer went very well… it’s a true blessing to see that schools such as Auburn have a genuine interest in me and my style of play, and how I am just as a human.”
Cunningham has not quite put together a board of his top schools yet, though he maintains that Auburn has been showing him lots of attention.
“I would say Auburn is just on the same level as all the schools I’ve spoken to, all schools have been showing me lots of Love,” he said. “I’m planning on coming to the campus.”
As one of the top recruits in his class, Cunningham has his sights set on a goal that some may think to be impossible in the modern age, but he certainly has the skills to achieve it.
“[I want to] come in playing and starting as a True Freshman,” he said. “I want the coaches to know how fluent I am at my style of game, I’m not just a 3 technique, you can move me up and down the line, and I’ll execute my mission no matter what.”
Cunningham could be a massive pickup for a Tiger 2028 class that has yet to land a recruit. Though the Tigers have not had any massive (pun only slightly intended) defensive lineman pickups in recent years, four of their 10 highest-rated all-time recruits have been defensive linemen, so there is certainly a tradition to uphold on the Plains.
However, Cunningham already holds offers from a litany of top programs, including Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Ohio State and more, so it will certainly be a dogfight to land one of the highest-rated recruits in the 2028 class.
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Ranking Auburn football’s 2026 opponents from easiest to hardest
By Peter Rauterkus
al.com
This upcoming season will be Auburn’s first under new head coach Alex Golesh, as the Tigers look to post their first winning season since 2020.
Like most years, though, Auburn’s schedule won’t be easy. Now playing nine SEC games, there are few easy games for Auburn in 2026. With a rebuilt roster, the Tigers hope to fare better against the SEC than they did the last two seasons.
With that said, here’s how we ranked Auburn’s 2026 opponents from easiest to hardest.
12. Samford
As the only FCS opponent on Auburn’s schedule, Samford is a straightforward choice for the Tigers’ easiest game this season. On top of being a division below Auburn, Samford finished 1-11 in 2025. This game falls on Nov. 21 and serves as a tune up before the Iron Bowl.
11. Southern Miss
Southern Miss is the only other non-Power Four opponent on Auburn’s schedule, making it the next easiest game. The Golden Eagles ranked 131st out of 138 Division I teams in ESPN’s initial SP+ rankings for the 2026 season, meaning they shouldn’t give Auburn much of a challenge.
10. Baylor
This is where the selections start to get difficult. Baylor is Auburn’s season opener, which can provide extra difficulty in itself, but the Bears don’t go into 2026 with high expectations.
They had to rebuild on offense after losing key players like starting quarterback Sawyer Robertson and running back Bryson Washington, who transferred to Auburn. The Tigers beat Baylor in Waco last season and will be expected to do the same in Atlanta on Sept. 5.
9. Arkansas
None of the opponents from here on out are pushovers, but Arkansas and Mississippi State go into 2026 as the weakest SEC teams on Auburn’s schedule. Arkansas falls a spot lower on this list due to the game being at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
After firing head coach Sam Pittman, the Razorbacks hired former Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield this offseason. Arkansas signed a large transfer class, but it ranked 13th in the SEC, per 247Sports, despite including 42 players.
This game falls on Nov. 7, as Auburn comes off a stretch of games against Georgia, LSU and Ole Miss. That stretch will test Auburn’s durability, but the Tigers will likely be favored to beat the Razorbacks at home.
8. Mississippi State
Auburn’s matchup with Mississippi State comes one week after the home game against Arkansas. Having to play the Bulldogs in Starkville makes this matchup slightly more difficult, despite Mississippi State and Arkansas being similar on paper.
The Bulldogs are going into Year 3 under head coach Jeff Lebby, who is 7-18 through his first two seasons. They showed more promise last season, but don’t have the same level of talent, on paper, that schools in the top half of the SEC do.
Given the game’s location, it’s hard to call right now who would be favored between in this game. Compared to the other SEC teams Auburn will face, though, No. 8 is a fair ranking.
7. Vanderbilt
Facing Vanderbilt in 2026 might not be the challenge it was last season, but that doesn’t mean the Commodores are an easy out. Even without Diego Pavia, they rank just outside the top 30 of ESPN’s SP+ rankings as No. 31. For context, Auburn ranks 26th.
Vanderbilt will have to rebuild on offense after Pavia’s college career ended after last season. Top pass catcher Eli Stowers is also gone, meaning Vanderbilt will need to find new playmakers on offense.
Despite that, Vanderbilt’s offense still ranks 15th nationally, per the SP+ rankings. Auburn also hasn’t beaten the Commodores since 2023, making this game far from easy.
6. Florida
Florida is Auburn’s SEC opener, and the matchup features two programs in similar positions. Both have a first-year head coach, and both of those coaches were names to watch in the American Conference last season.
It’s hard to pick a favorite in this game at the moment, as both teams go into this season with as many questions as they have strengths. The game is in Auburn, though, which could give a slight advantage to the Tigers.
This might be the final game on this list that Auburn will be favored in, but it seems to be the toughest of the toss up games.
5. Ole Miss
Games against Ole Miss and Tennessee both have an argument for No. 5, but the Rebels enter the season in the midst of a larger transition. Pete Golding enters his first season as a head coach after Lane Kiffin departed Oxford for LSU, but the Rebels still retained key players such as Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy.
That makes Ole Miss a tough team to face, which is compounded by the fact that Auburn plays the Rebels in Oxford. On top of that, it comes after games against Georgia and LSU.
4. Tennessee
This might be Auburn’s biggest early-season test and starts a gauntlet during the month of October. Tennessee is replacing its starting quarterback in 2026, but still has the fourth-best offense in ESPN’s SP+ rankings.
It will be somewhat of a homecoming for Golesh, who was once Josh Heupel’s offensive coordinator in Knoxville. The Vols will likely be favored in the game and playing your first road game of the season at Neyland Stadium is never an easy task.
3. LSU
LSU has become one of the most talked about teams in college football this offseason following Kiffin’s arrival. After reportedly spending $40 million on the roster, LSU is expected to be one of the most talented teams in the SEC.
With big-name signees like quarterback Sam Leavitt and offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, LSU signed the top transfer portal class in the country this offseason, according to 247Sports.
Auburn gets to play LSU at home, but it will still be one of its toughest games in 2026. LSU is likely to be favored, but if there’s any week for Auburn to pull an upset this season, this might be the one.
2. Alabama
Auburn will have to travel to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl this season, somewhere the Tigers haven’t won since 2010. Golesh is already emphasizing the importance of that game with the team, but that doesn’t make the task much easier.
1. Georgia
Like most seasons in the past decade, Georgia will be Auburn’s toughest game in 2026. The Tigers will face the Bulldogs in Athens, somewhere Auburn hasn’t won in 21 years. Breaking that streak this year will be especially challenging.
Georgia goes into the season with one of the best rosters in the country. The Bulldogs rank fourth in ESPN’s SP+ rankings and are coming off an SEC championship and College Football Playoff Berth.
Georgia will likely be a heavy favorite when it faces Auburn, and the Tigers will need an inspired performance to beat the Bulldogs in Athens.
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The most important transfer for each of Auburn's Power Four opponents
By Nathan King
Much like Auburn set out to do this offseason, the rest of the SEC's teams aimed to improve their rosters via college football free agency, including some who are breaking in new head coaches, like the Tigers, and needed to undergo some major heavy lifting in the portal.
Some of the best transfer players in the country will face the Tigers next season. Here is the most important transfer addition for each of Auburn's Power Four opponents this fall.
BAYLOR: QB DJ LAGWAY
Auburn vs. Baylor: Sept. 5 (Atlanta)
There are a ton of question marks for a Baylor offense that lost its quarterback, running back (Bryson Washington transferred to Auburn) and multiple wide receivers, leading to the Bears currently ranking No. 102 in ESPN's offensive returning production for next year. Potential hot-seat coach Dave Aranda hopes Florida transfer DJ Lagway, a former 5-star recruit, can be a big-time player at quarterback. Baylor may have even more questions to answer on the other side of the ball, where Aranda's group was No. 122 last year in scoring defense.
Baylor's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 30
FLORIDA: QB AARON PHILO
Auburn vs. Florida: Sept. 19
Arguably the most important hire for new Gators coach Jon Sumrall was luring Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, one of the hottest names of the offseason. Faulkner brought over Philo, who is viewed as Florida's likely starter at QB, though returning redshirt freshman Tramell Jones made things interesting in the spring. Florida's top-rated transfer pickup was former Auburn receiver Eric Singleton Jr.
Florida's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 28
VANDERBILT: DB RICARDO JONES
Auburn vs. Vanderbilt: Sept. 26
Vanderbilt ranks No. 115 in ESPN's offensive returning production after not only losing star quarterback Diego Pavia, but a number of other pieces for 5-star freshman QB Jared Curtis, who is expected to run the offense next year. So we could go down a list of comparable offensive additions through the portal for the Commodores, like a new tight end to replace Eli Stowers and a couple new offensive linemen, but instead we'll give the nod to arguably Vanderbilt's top defensive addition, Jones, who helps to replace some impressive players in the secondary from last season. Jones started two years for Clemson at safety and had a whopping six interceptions last season.
Vanderbilt's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 44
TENNESSEE: EDGE CHAZ COLEMAN
Auburn at Tennessee: Oct. 13
The Volunteers made a massive splash when they landed Coleman, a prized transfer who followed former Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Knoxville. Coleman got on the field right away as a true freshman and now adds to a Tennessee defense that needed some personnel help in the offseason, after ranking toward the bottom of the league in most categories under coordinator Tim Banks, who is now Auburn's safeties coach. However, Coleman missed the final few spring practices for undisclosed reasons. Former Auburn starting cornerback Kayin Lee also transferred to Tennessee, along with a few other Penn State transfers who came with Knowles.
Tennessee's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 22
GEORGIA: WR ISIAH CANION
Auburn at Georgia: Oct. 17
Kirby Smart doesn't usually bring in a large volume of players in the portal, but he does pluck some of the best available transfers. He did so in swiping Canion from rival Georgia Tech, after he posted 480 yards and four touchdowns last season, adding a proven weapon for quarterback Gunner Stockton following two outgoing NFL draft picks at wide receiver. Georgia also had high hopes for former Auburn edge rusher Amaris Williams before he tore his ACL this spring.
Georgia's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 32
LSU: QB SAM LEAVITT
Auburn vs. LSU: Oct. 24
Lane Kiffin did what he does best and brought in the nation's best transfer class for his first season in Baton Rouge, led by Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt at quarterback. Leavitt has been dealing with a foot injury and missed spring practice, but Kiffin said just last week that Leavitt is expected to be fully cleared for the summer. Take your pick of any number of incoming LSU transfers as being impact players, though, including star Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and Ole Miss edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen.
LSU's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 1
OLE MISS: OT CARIUS CURNE
Ole Miss' 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 2
Maybe Ole Miss didn't need Kiffin to clean up in the portal, as the Rebels claimed 247Sports' No. 2 overall transfer class. With Auburn transfers Deuce Knight, Jay Crawford and Horatio Fields also in the mix, Ole Miss' biggest portal pickup was arguably LSU offensive tackle Carius Curne, who started at left tackle as a true freshman. Curne figures to be a pivotal piece for the Rebels' success on offense with Trinidad Chambliss, who will now be one of the most anticipated quarterbacks in the country next season.
Auburn at Ole Miss: Oct. 31
ARKANSAS: OT BRYANT WILLIAMS
Auburn vs. Arkansas: Nov. 7
There's not necessarily a ton to write home about in terms of high-level transfer additions for new Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield. Despite bringing in 42 transfers, the Razorbacks still rank outside the top 30 in terms of portal hauls. Louisiana transfer Bryant Williams was one of the most sought-after offensive tackles from the Group of Six level, while Tulane transfer cornerback Jahiem Johnson was a coveted player on defense. Arkansas, like Auburn, figures to have a transfer-laden offensive line, though the Razorbacks don't have a proven name at quarterback, with redshirt sophomore KJ Jackson likely taking the reins.
Arkansas' 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 31
MISSISSIPPI STATE: WR MARQUIS JOHNSON
Auburn at Mississippi State: Nov. 14
Third-year Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby hopes he found something late last season in Kamario Taylor, who shined late last season as only a true freshman. Surrounding Taylor with a competent offense will be the goal, and having Fluff Bothwell back at running back is a good place to start, and Lebby got Missouri transfer Marquis Johnson in the portal to be a top option at receiver, after accounting for more than 1,000 yards in three seasons with the Tigers. The offensive line may be a bigger question mark, as Mississippi State appears to be relying on a lot of unproven players, like former Auburn recruiting targets Mario Nash Jr. (Florida State transfer) and DJ Chester (LSU transfer).
Mississippi State's 247Sports transfer class rank: Nov. 14
ALABAMA: OT JAYVIN JAMES
Auburn at Alabama: Nov. 27
This pick would probably have gone to NC State transfer receiver Noah Rogers had he not torn his ACL in the spring, considering Alabama's need for another go-to target in the passing game after losing Germie Bernard to the transfer portal and Isaiah Horton to Texas A&M. So for an Alabama offense breaking in a new quarterback, we'll look to the offensive line, where coordinator Ryan Grubb named redshirt freshman Jackson Lloyd the starting left tackle after just four practices, putting even more importance on Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James to produce on the other side at right tackle. The Crimson Tide need a few unproven players to step up on the O-line in 2026, but James is a former SEC starter who will be counted upon to be a consistent player.
Alabama's 247Sports transfer class rank: No. 17
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2 former Auburn tight ends lose their NFL roster spots
By Mark Inabinett
al.com
Two Auburn tight ends lost their NFL roster spots on Monday, according to the NFL’s transactions report, as the Cleveland Browns waived Sal Cannella and the Atlanta Falcons waived Brandon Frazier.
Frazier had signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent after being passed over in the NFL Draft last month. He got his first work with Atlanta over the weekend at rookie minicamp.
On Monday, the Falcons waived four of their recently signed rookies to put four of the 24 tryout players from rookie minicamp on the 90-man offseason roster.
Cannella made his NFL debut during the 2025 season and had re-signed with the Browns in January. Cleveland released Cannella to clear a roster spot for Michael Coats, an undrafted defensive back from West Virginia.
Cannella was in training camp with the Miami Dolphins in 2021, Green Bay Packers in 2022, Seattle Seahawks in 2023, Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024 and Cleveland in 2025 without reaching the regular-season roster. But unlike those other teams, the Browns kept Cannella by signing him for their practice squad.
Cannella played in Cleveland’s final two games of the season as a practice-squad elevation. He caught two passes for 11 yards.
After Cannella closed his Auburn career with a 37-yard touchdown on a pass from quarterback Bo Nix against Minnesota in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1, 2020, the tight end played two years in the Spring League, one season in the USFL, one season in the XFL and two seasons in the UFL. He earned All-USFL recognition with the New Orleans Breakers in that league’s Birmingham-based revival in 2022 and All-UFL recognition with the Arlington Renegades in 2025.
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