Football News: 7-7-2026
0 views
Skip to first unread message
Dudley Dent
Jul 7, 2026, 7:41:45 AM (17 hours ago) Jul 7
to Tiger Tracks
Auburn Football News: 7-7-2026
Most Valuable Tigers: No. 14:
https://247sports.com/college/auburn/article/auburn-tigers-football-cornerback-andre-jordan-rayshawn-pleasant--288167120/
CBS Sports gives SEC-wide props to blue-chip Auburn freshman:
https://flywareagle.com/cbs-sports-gives-sec-wide-props-blue-chip-auburn-freshman
Alex Golesh can't take the bait from Brian Hartline's USF dig:
https://flywareagle.com/alex-golesh-cant-take-bait-brian-hartline-usf-dig
Path to the Plains: Wide receiver Chas Nimrod:
https://www.on3.com/teams/auburn-tigers/news/path-to-the-plains-wide-receiver-chas-nimrod/
How high does Byrum Brown sit in the latest SEC QB Rankings from On3?:
https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/auburn/football/2026/07/07/auburn-football-sec-quarterback-rankings-byrum-brown/90828489007/
Alex Golesh Lost to Navy While At USF. Should Auburn Fans Be Concerned?:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/alex-golesh-lost-to-navy-while-at-usf-should-auburn-fans-be-concerned
Analyst Previews Auburn Football’s Biggest Offensive Strength in 2026:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/analyst-previews-auburn-football-biggest-offensive-strength-in-2026
Golesh’s Recruiting Efforts Are Not Done Yet For Auburn, Says Analyst:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/recruiting/golesh-s-recruiting-efforts-are-not-done-yet-for-auburn-says-analyst
Auburn's 2027 RB haul is among the nation's best says one outlet:
https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/auburn/recruiting/2026/07/06/auburn-football-recruiting-top-rb-class-2027-sec/90820159007/
Alex Golesh and Auburn get strong July recruiting forecast:
https://flywareagle.com/alex-golesh-auburn-get-strong-july-recruiting-forecast
2026 Opponent Breakdown: Game 10 at Mississippi State:
https://247sports.com/college/auburn/article/auburn-takes-on-mississippi-state-in-starkville-on-nov-14-288179909/
Most Valuable Tigers: No. 14
By Nathan King
We're still in the heart of the college football offseason, but things are getting closer in the rearview mirror: inside a month until media days, and less than 70 days until the 2026 season, Auburn's first under head coach Alex Golesh.
So what better time to crank up the rankings? As we do annually this time of year, Auburn Undercover is counting down the top 25 most valuable players for the Tigers' 2026 season.
A few notes to set the table: These rankings are based on a player's previous contributions in college, as well as his assumed impact in 2026 — how important he is expected to be to Auburn's success in both production and the win-loss column. It is not simply Auburn's best players in descending order.
Next up is No. 14: cornerback Andre Jordan Jr., who was Auburn's strongest pickup from the portal in the team's efforts to replace outgoing cornerbacks Kayin Lee and Jay Crawford, and who brings plenty of experience as a starter.
AS A RECRUIT
Hometown: Federal Way, Wash.
Class: 2023
247Sports ranking: 3-star, No. 62 CB
2026 transfer ranking: No. 21 CB
AS A PLAYER
Power Four starters carried a lot of value for this Auburn team in the transfer portal, and the Tigers were able to land one at a big position of need. Jordan, who began his career at Oregon State, got on the field as a true freshman before starting his sophomore season.
Last year at UCLA, Jordan was an honorable mention on the All-Big Ten teams, with seven pass breakups. He was tied for No. 1 among Big Ten cornerbacks in forced incompletion rate, per Pro Football Focus, at 21%. Jordan allowed a catch on only 51% of his targets on the year, which was No. 9 in the conference.
Jordan was regarded as one of the better cover corners in the portal, and Auburn found itself in a battle with Arizona State for his services. He was one of the Tigers' later transfer additions, signing Jan. 10.
Jordan was expected to come fill a starting job at Auburn, after Lee and Crawford both exited in the portal, and was unsurprisingly a first-team fixture during spring practice. With Rayshawn Pleasant dealing with a nagging injury by the time the spring game rolled around, and competition continuing for the No. 3 cornerback spot with Blake Woodby, Gavin Jenkins and others, Jordan was undoubtedly the most consistent player at that position exiting spring ball.
2026 OUTLOOK
It was essentially a tossup on our list between Pleasant, who was one spot lower, and Jordan, seeing as both have their individual strengths. Pleasant obviously is a returning player and has more knowledge of this defense — and is a potent return man — but we're giving a slight nod to Jordan in terms of "value" because of what he is expected to provide. Auburn had a major hole at cornerback, and Jordan is the best player added at that position. He needs to be solid.
Additionally, Jordan is considered the best player on the defense in terms of outside coverage skills. He was a nuisance for Auburn's new receivers to deal with in spring ball, and his sticky coverage has been his forte for the past couple seasons. Jordan prioritizes physical and pesky coverage over gambling for passes, considering he's still looking for his first career interception.
Perhaps Auburn will not have to be excellent at cornerback if it has a deep and productive safety room, which appears to be the case. Jordan and Pleasant will probably have a lot of support on the back end. Regardless, cornerback starters are always going to be highly important spots on the roster, and if both Jordan and Pleasant were a bit more proven in an orange and blue uniform, they'd probably be in our top 10.
That could very well be the case in 2027, though, as Jordan will look to benefit from the NCAA's new five-for-five rule. This coming season will be his fourth without a redshirt, and his five-year clock started in 2023, so he'll get an additional year of eligibility.
WHAT THEY SAID
"A brotherhood. Everyone's got each other's backs, everyone's trying to help each other. Everyone can come to each other, and if you mess up, they'll tell you how you messed up and how you can get better the next time. I just feel like we've all got each other's back." — Jordan on Auburn's cornerback room under new position coach DeMarcus Van Dyke
*************************
CBS Sports gives SEC-wide props to blue-chip Auburn freshman
By Andrew Hughes
Fly War Eagle
The Auburn Tigers have a Keldric Faulk-sized hole at the EDGE spot after he was drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans. Perhaps outside linebacker recruit Jaquez Wilkes could step in immediately and help fill that void.
That's CBS Sports' Brad Crawford's thinking, anyway. Crawford listed Wilkes as an SEC freshman to watch during the 2026 season. Wilkes was Auburn's lone representative in what is a very portal-heavy roster that also retained plenty of talent under DJ Durkin defensively.
"The Tigers have the experience to ease Wilkes into the lineup, but his talent could shorten the process. The rangy freshman possesses the sideline-to-sideline speed and instincts that are musts for first-year contributors in this league. Coaches have been impressed with his maturity and ability to process the game, traits that often determine whether young pass rush-linebacker hybrids see the field early. Wilkes also has the versatility to help on special teams while earning defensive snaps. By the second half of the season, he could be one of Auburn's most dependable young defenders," Crawford wrote.
Ole Miss Rebels transfer Da'Shawn Womack and sophomore Jared Smith are likely the two starters, but if Wilkes could make big plays, perhaps the coaching staff could give him a look. Wilkes is aggressive in bursting through the line from various entry points, but that was against Class 1A, Region 6 competition. Not to downplay Wadley's opponents, but Class 1A competition doesn't stack up to the level of talent he's about to face in the SEC.
Clearly, Crawford isn't worried about that. Wilkes' eye test is enough to believe he's going to be special sooner rather than later. Of course, it'll be on Durkin and Co. to develop him, though Durkin does his best work with LBs. So there's that.
Jaquez Wilkes could have an Arvell Reese-type ascension if used right
Follow me here for a second. New York Giants EDGE Arvell Reese was one of the most physically gifted players to ever suit up in the Scarlet and Gray. With that said, maybe it's not crazy to think Wilkes could turn out like the former Ohio State Buckeye if enough things break right.
Stylistically, they're both sideline-to-sideline menaces. Both excel against the run, probably more so than the pass rush. Their size is nearly identical, and that's before Wilkes has had a full season in the weight room at the Woltosz Football Performance Center.
Where the comparison is tested is the 40-yard dash. Reese's 4.46 is something Wilkes needs to strive for. He's slightly behind that (4.61). Again, though, this is someone who didn't have access to the kind of facilities he's about to have.
Wilkes has serious potential to become a standout on the Plains, but patience will be needed. Unlike those coming from powerhouses like Thompson or Central, Wilkes has to catch up to speed. If he embraces the opportunity he now has, it's not absurd to think Reese's is an attainable profile for Wilkes in the coming years.
***********************
Alex Golesh can't take the bait from Brian Hartline's USF dig
By Andrew Hughes
Fly War Eagle
Alex Golesh's head coaching successor with the USF Bulls, Brian Hartline, just called out the job Golesh did in Tampa over the past three years in charge. Hartline said that, "There was some success here the last couple of years, but nowhere near where it should be."
USF fans would probably agree, at least about the 2025 season. What started with potential to represent the American in the CFP -- something the Tulane Green Wave accomplished instead -- turned into a disappointing end to the season that may have been contributed to by Golesh's job interviews with the Auburn Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks.
What Hartline said overlooks the fact that Golesh's coaching staff brought the Bulls out of a four-win-in-three-year stretch. With that said, Hartline is under no obligation to butter Golesh up or even accurately acknowledge what the ex-USF headman accomplished.
Bulls fans hate Golesh for ditching them as the rebuild was just getting good. That's never going to change. Hartline has to convince his fanbase that the level of play is about to ramp up. If the former Ohio State Buckeyes WR coach/offensive coordinator can recruit anywhere close at the skill-positions to what he used to in Columbus, there's a good chance he makes good on that promise.
That's cool. Frankly, it's none of Golesh's business anymore. He opted for bigger and better things in the SEC.
USF must be in Alex Golesh's rearview mirror
It might be tempting to retort Hartline's comment, but if I were Golesh's PR manager, I'd tell the 42-year-old that it'd be a losing battle. USF's fanbase has largely made up its mind about Golesh, and worrying about the past would make it seem like the future isn't infinitely brighter. Which, of course, it is.
While bringing the Bulls to the CFP could've cemented his legacy in the Sunshine State, Golesh could become a more lasting icon in the Yellowhammer State by being the first man to bring AU to the dance. Unlike at USF, Golesh could field a legitimate championship roster with the Tigers in any given year. Jimmy Rane has promised institutional support, and Auburn has more clout with recruits in the region than the Bulls. As the Alabama Crimson Tide's stranglehold on the state loosens with Kalen DeBoer wasting the program's momentum from the Nick Saban years, Golesh has a prime opportunity to fully take over the Iron Bowl rivalry. It seems clear that's his goal.
In the SEC, when you're located in East Central Alabama, you should be worrying about the Tide, the Georgia Bulldogs, and any program in the "It Just Means More" conference that can compete financially. Not what your successor at USF says.
Golesh rebuilt and reimagined what the Bulls could do, and will never get the credit he deserves. It's a losing battle trying to convince emotional people that their biased viewpoint is wrong. Ask anyone involved with politics on either side about that when trying to persuade dug-in constituents.
Why fight that battle at all? Golesh has far greater adversaries than Hartline's soundbites and USF's fanbase responding to them.
***********************
Path to the Plains: Wide receiver Chas Nimrod
By Caleb Jones
Auburn’s roster will look almost brand new this fall.
It’s just how college football operates nowadays. The transfer portal makes it more rare than ever for fans to know the entire roster like they used to. And since there’s so much overturn on Auburn’s roster, there’s no better time than the summer to get to know the guys suiting up for the Tigers this fall.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll take a look at the projected two-deep and their journey to the Plains.
Up next is wide receiver Chas Nimrod, who transferred this offseason from South Florida.
THIRD SCHOOL WITH GOLESH
Nimrod is on his third school of his career, but all three have been centered around his relationship with Alex Golesh and Kodi Burns.
The two coaches recruited Nimrod out of Bentonville (Ark.), where he ranked as a 3-star prospect and a top-five player in Arkansas. Nimrod took official visits with Illinois, Kansas State, Washington State, Utah State and Tennessee.
Ultimately, his relationship with Golesh, who was the offensive coordinator, and Burns, who was the wide receivers coach, led to Nimrod signing with Tennessee.
Nimrod appeared in just two games as a true freshman. Following the season, Golesh took the head coaching job with South Florida and Burns left for an NFL job. Regardless, Nimrod stayed the course with Tennessee for two more seasons, making 29 catches for 315 yards receiving and one touchdown over the next two seasons.
Seeking a more defined role, Nimrod entered the transfer portal following the 2024 season. Golesh hired Kodi Burns to be his wide receivers coach ahead of the 2025 season, and Nimrod elected to reunite with his primary recruiters out of high school at South Florida.
Nimrod tallied 23 receptions for 466 yards receiving and three touchdowns in seven games; an injury cut his year short.
Now, with Golesh and Burns coaching Auburn, Nimrod is back in the SEC. He’ll have on season of eligibility, and is expected to be a first-team wide receiver this fall for the Tigers.
QUOTES OF NOTE
Quarterback Byrum Brown on Nimrod:
“I hate to say it, but: 1,000-yard receiver. I’m going to put that expectation on him. He works hard each and every day. I know he’s shooting for that, and I’m going to work hard to get it to him and everyone else, as well.”
Alex Golesh on Nimrod’s growth:
“I’ve had Chas as a freshman and then I had Chas as a fourth-year junior last year, and I’ve seen his growth, but right now, physically, mentally, his process, what he looks like is the best version I’ve seen of him and he’s playing really confidently. He’s leading. It’s been really impressive to watch.”
Nimrod on his time with Auburn thus far:
“It’s been really good. It’s been a pretty easy transition with all the familiar faces. All the new guys are super cool and accepting, and make it pretty easy to get used to. And then Auburn itself, all the fans and everything, make it super welcoming. So it’s been good so far.”
**************************
How high does Byrum Brown sit in the latest SEC QB Rankings from On3?
By Taylor Jones
Auburn Wire
Another preseason SEC quarterback ranking has been released. As has been the case with several other rankings, Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown is on the lower side, due mainly to uncertainty.
On3's Chris Low has submitted his preseason SEC quarterback rankings, where Byrum Brown slides in at No. 8 behind several key names, including Oklahoma's John Mateer, Texas' Arch Manning, and Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss. Low acknowledges that Brown has the potential to succeed against SEC defenses and is the quarterback most likely to climb up the ladder.
His first section of evidence is Brown's passing game. Brown's throwing motion has been a source of criticism since he arrived at Auburn. However, Low believes that Brown's motion is a non-story, since he accomplished a feat no other quarterback did in 2025.
Much has been made of Brown’s unorthodox throwing motion, but it’s obviously not an issue with Golesh. And who could argue with Brown’s productivity? He was the only FBS player last season to pass for more than 3,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 yards and completed 66.3 percent of his passes as opposed to seven interceptions in 341 passing attempts.
Brown is a strong thrower, but his running ability could ultimately seperate himself from other quarterbacks in the SEC. Low believes that Brown can shine on the big stage of SEC play, citing two games in which he delivered clutch performances last season.
The 6-3, 235-pound Brown is a bear to tackle. Go watch the highlights of the Boise State game last season, and on big stages, Brown was 23-of-36 passing for 263 yards and also rushed for 66 yards in the 18-16 win at Florida.
Brown enters his final season of college football eligibility with 7,690 passing yards and 2,265 rushing yards. He has reached 3,000 passing yards twice in his career and rushed for over 1,000 last season. If he mimics last year's performance at Auburn this season, he will be the third quarterback in program history to pass for over 3,000 yards and the first to pass for over 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in a single season.
***************************
Alex Golesh Lost to Navy While At USF. Should Auburn Fans Be Concerned?
By Brooks Crew
Auburn Tigers on SI
One of the bigger narratives surrounding new Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh, from the day he was hired, has been a questionable blemish on his record: a 41-38 loss to Navy in 2025.
Many fans of the Tigers are concerned because a large part of USF’s roster, especially on offense, is set to play on the Plains in the fall, along with, of course, their head coach and offensive coordinator.
So, should Tiger fans be worried? After a deeper look at the matchup, frankly, we are not all too concerned. Let’s break it down.
Perhaps the biggest discrepancy between last year’s USF squad and this year’s Auburn team is the defense. After all, the Tigers returned most major contributors from last year’s top-level squad (save for Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford, who were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft), which should bode well for the Tigers in 2026.
The Tigers’ defense consistently kept Auburn in close matchups throughout Hugh Freeze’s tenure, regardless of the level of their opponent, and is expected to be top-of-the-line once again under returning defensive coordinator DJ Durkin. Conversely, it seemed as if USF’s offense was succeeding in spite of its defense, which allowed over 330 rushing yards to the Midshipmen in their 2025 matchup.
The Midshipmen broke off several big plays against what appeared to be a paper-thin USF defense, including an 82-yard reception that, to this day, stands as the largest Navy passing play in nearly 16 years. In total, Navy accounted for over 500 yards of offense against the Bulls, largely on big, breakaway plays in the first half, a feat that would surely be nigh-impossible in a traditional matchup with the Tigers.
The Bulls also had a special teams miscue when kicker Nico Gramatica missed a point-after try to cut the lead to three late in the fourth quarter. Auburn kicker Alex McPherson has yet to miss a PAT in his career, so it is safe to assume that this will not be an issue for Golesh’s new team.
Golesh and offensive coordinator Joel Gordon illustrated their quarterback’s ability to make big plays in key moments, including a 60-yard rushing touchdown and a 41-yard passing touchdown. Brown finished up the day with 327 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, as well as a team-high 136 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Notably, the next highest rusher on the team was Alvon Isaac, who rushed seven times for 32 yards. Brown will almost certainly have much better help in his backfield this season, especially with the addition of Bryson Washington, a Baylor transfer who will join Auburn starter Jeremiah Cobb in the backfield.
The Bulls even pulled a few tricks out of their bag, including a 29-yard touchdown pass from then-freshman running back Nykahi Davenport to Jeremiah Koger, both of whom are now Tigers.
The Bulls’ two leading receivers were Jeremiah Koger, who hauled in nine passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, as well as Keshaun Singleton, who made two highly impressive contested catches on his way to a five-reception, 86-yard, one-touchdown day.
However, it was not all sunshine and roses for the Bulls’ offense, even if their defense was a major contributor to their eventual loss, as in the second quarter, Byrum Brown threw a pretty bad interception off his back foot with little pressure in his face. Typically, he tucks and rushes on plays like these, which worked well for the Bulls throughout that matchup, and the offense was able to recover from the miscue.
In total, the Bulls managed only nine points in the first half, scoring a field goal and second-quarter touchdown, after which they failed to convert an aggressive two-point try. However, the second half was quite more up to Golesh’s tempo, as the Bulls scored on four of their five second-half drives, not including the one second ‘drive’ to close the game that was only a desperate lateral play.
So, all things considered, I believe that though Auburn’s new offense may have some holes in it and things to continue developing, they have proven an ability to score efficiently at a high level when firing on all cylinders. They will, however, need to figure out how to come out of the gate hot, as we learned last year that Auburn’s defense is top-of-the-line, but they can only save you from so much.
**************************
Analyst Previews Auburn Football’s Biggest Offensive Strength in 2026
By Brooks Crew
Auburn Tigers on SI
The Auburn Tigers still have many questions surrounding their upcoming 2026 season, especially with new head coach Alex Golesh at the helm and a litany of new transfers that are set to make up the Tigers’ offense. 247Sports’ Christian Clemente still believes that the Tigers have a particular room on offense that could be a massive difference-maker come September.
More specifically, Auburn’s running backs are expected to be flying at heights unseen this year, especially with the big-time addition of Bryson Washington, who transferred over from Baylor this past offseason.
“The biggest strength likely comes in the backfield, pairing Brown with a stable of running backs,” Clemente said. “Jeremiah Cobb nearly went for 1,000 yards last year in Hugh Freeze’s incompetent offense, then Auburn went out and added Bryson Washington from Baylor as one of the top transfer running backs.
“You also have Nykahi Davenport who started at USF last year and Tae Meadows who started at Troy last year. So, four different starting running backs along with second-year back Omar Mabson II, who the staff is very high on.”
One of the aspects that made Auburn’s defense so lethal last year (and largely why it is expected to be as strong this year) was their depth and rotation, which allowed top-level players like Xavier Atkins to stay fresh, while also providing opportunities for other key players to shine in big moments.
Similarly, the Tigers’ running back room should have the depth for a deep rotation in 2026, in which the Tigers could use any of their four starters on any given play. Of course, Auburn returner Jeremiah Cobb is expected to take the lion’s share of touches this year, but do not sleep on the potential impact of Washington, Davenport or Meadows.
The Tigers will have opportunities to figure out which backs produce the best in which moments before SEC play, though their week one matchup against Baylor is no tune-up, so all four backs will still need to be on top of their game, even before conference play begins.
With that said, Cobb, Washington and quarterback Byrum Brown certainly have the credentials and experience to make big moves in 2026, as they are the only Auburn trio in recent memory to each boast over 1,000 career rushing yards. In fact, Brown eclipsed that number in 2025 alone.
Without a doubt, the Tigers are poised to be incredibly strong in the backfield this year, though one key weakness could prove to shake things up dramatically in the rushing game.
*************************
Golesh’s Recruiting Efforts Are Not Done Yet For Auburn, Says Analyst
By Brooks Crew
Auburn Tigers on SI
The Auburn Tigers have, rather surprisingly, dominated on the recruiting trail this summer. As it stands, the Tigers’ 2027 class currently ranks among the top-10 in the country, according to most major ranking systems, as well as top five in the SEC.
With 24 commits to his name, one would think Alex Golesh would be satisfied with his first full recruiting cycle as the Tigers’ head coach. However, that may not be the case, according to Yellowhammer News’ Michael Brauner.
“By the sounds of it, more players may be on the way in the month of July as Golesh continues to lay the groundwork for what his program will be, building and developing relationships with local prospects across the Southeast.”
The Tigers are still involved in a few high-profile commitments, including that of Karlos May, a four-star defensive lineman who is currently a top pick to end up at Ohio State, though his chances of landing with the Buckeyes are not as high as Deshawn Hall’s chances to end up at Penn State were before he committed to Auburn.
Of course, anything is possible in the chaos that is recruiting, but the most impressive part of Golesh’s recruiting efforts has to be the fact that no recruit has ever seen how a Golesh-led Auburn team actually performs on the field.
Sure, they have seen his product at South Florida, but the SEC is an entirely different ballgame as far as competition goes, and the fact that Golesh boasts one of the top classes in the country without a consistent product is quite impressive. However, that begs the question: how will Auburn’s recruiting fare once the team actually takes the field in September?
Of course, if the Tigers dominate in 2026, recruiting certainly gets easier. However, if the Tigers fall from grace this year, much like highly talented Hugh Freeze-led teams of the past, recruits may decide other programs will give them better chances than a potential repeat of the consistent disappointment that was Freeze’s tenure.
“Golesh is going to have to show that his system actually works on Saturdays in the fall as an SEC head coach, and fans would love to see some serious improvement on offense at the very least during the 2026 season,” Brauner said. “But in terms of what can actually be evaluated so far, this program looks like it’s in very good hands.”
****************************
Auburn's 2027 RB haul is among the nation's best says one outlet
By Taylor Jones
Auburn Wire
Auburn football has won many recruiting battles this summer and has spent time building up one particular position group, running back.
Auburn's 2027 recruiting haul includes two running backs: four-star Myson Johnson-Cook and three-star Khamoni Williams. Auburn's running back pull was recently recognized by Rivals and On3, as the Tigers hold one of the nation's top running back classes of the 2027 recruiting cycle so far.
Williams flipped his decision from West Virginia to Auburn on June 21, joining three-star athlete Preston Williams in making a Father's Day pledge to the Auburn Tigers. Williams was a 1,000-yard rusher as a 10th grader at Memphis Business Academy in Tennessee, and rushed for nearly 900 yards as an 11th grader. He proved to be a solid vertical threat as well by making 28 catches for 405 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Williams is the No. 42 running back in the 2027 class according to Rivals, and the No. 22 player from Tennessee. The three-star back is a consensus three-star by every major outlet and stands 5-10, 205 pounds.
Johnson-Cook is the second-highest rated commitment in Auburn's class, trailing only defensive back Chance Gilbert. Johnson-Cook holds a four-star score of 94.27 from Rivals. The 6-1, 235-pound back is the No. 4 running back from the class and the No. 4 player from Missouri. Johnson-Cook committed to Auburn in April and is viewed as the future centerpiece of the Auburn running back room that will lose star back Jeremiah Cobb and Troy transfer Tae Meadows following the 2026 season.
Auburn football's 2027 recruiting class ranks No. 13 in the nation currently, according to Rivals, and No. 6 in the SEC.
**************************
Alex Golesh and Auburn get strong July recruiting forecast
By Mary Kate Hughes
Fly War Eagle
As Auburn football fans found out over the last two seasons, top-level recruiting doesn't always translate to success on the field. Still, it's a crucial part to having a successful program, and something that some fans worried about when Alex Golesh was hired as the Tigers' head coach last fall.
Fast forward to the present, and the former South Florida head coach has effectively quashed those fears. Heading into the 2026 season, Golesh has the Tigers' recruiting class of 2027 sitting in the top-10 nationally at No. 9 and No. 4 in the SEC.
The class is made up of 25 commits so far with 10 4-stars and 15 3-stars in the group. The Tigers have locked down players from nine different states, the most (seven) coming from Georgia. Six plaers from the state of Alabama have committed to the Tigers. Auburn's most highly-ranked recruitin the class is Mobile, Alabama, native Isaac McNeil, a 4-star linebacker. He is closely followed by 4-star running back Myson Johnson-Cook from East St. Louis, Illinois.
Golesh and his coaching staff have had great success so far on the recruiting trail, but one news outlet reports that they aren't finished yet and that the Tigers could see more recruits hop on board before the end of the summer.
"By the sounds of it, more players may be on the way in the month of July as Golesh continues to lay the groundwork for what his program will be, building and developing relationships with local prospects across the Southeast," writes Michael Brauner of Yellowhammer News.
One of those players is 4-star defensive lineman Karlos May from Birmingham, Alabama, another recruit that Golesh and his staff are trying to keep in the state. Ranked as teh No. 121 overall players and the No. 11 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2027, May has scheduled his official commitment day for July 18.
According to his recruiting profile on 247 Sports, May's top five schools are Ohio State, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State and Alabama, but his decision will likely come down to those first three schools. May officially visited the Plains on June 12, and his recruitment has been led by defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams, one of the staffers from former head coach Hugh Freeze's squad that remained with the team when Golesh took over.
While Golesh will still have to prove that he can translate the successful recruiting into wins, he's certainly starting off strong on the Plains.
***************************
2026 Opponent Breakdown: Game 10 at Mississippi State
By Jason Caldwell
In part three of our preview of Auburn's 2026 opponents, we take a look at the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who face one of the most difficult schedules in the country this season but have a talented quarterback to lead the way.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
2025 results: 5-8 (1-7 SEC)
@ Southern Miss 34-17
Arizona State 24-20
Alcorn State 63-0
Northern Illinois 38-10
Tennessee 34-41
@ Texas A&M 9-31
@ Florida 21-23
Texas 38-45 (OT)
@ Arkansas 38-35
Georgia 21-41
@ Missouri 27-49
Ole Miss 19-38
Vs. Wake Forest 29-43
2026 schedule:
Sept. 5, vs. ULM
Sept. 12, @ Minnesota
Sept. 19, @ South Carolina
Sept. 26, vs. Missouri
Oct. 3, vs. Alabama
Oct. 17, @ LSU
Oct. 24, vs. Oklahoma
Oct. 31, @ Texas
Nov. 7, vs. Vanderbilt
Nov. 14, vs. Auburn
Nov. 21, vs. Tennessee Tech
Nov. 27, @ Ole Miss
Even though last season finished on a down note with four straight losses by more than two touchdowns, 2025 was a season of what could have been for Mississippi State. Losing at home to Tennessee by a touchdown and by two points in Gainesville, the Bulldogs gave away at game at home to Texas in an overtime loss. It could have easily been a winning season in Starkville, but instead they limped to the finish line.
Offense
But there are reasons for optimism heading into 2026 and the biggest is quarterback Kamario Taylor. An impressive athlete at 6-4, 230, the true sophomore played in 11 games last season with a pair of starts. He completed 43-77 passes for 629 yards and 5 touchdowns with a lone interception. He also added 82 carries for 458 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Make no mistake, Taylor is the real deal and will give the Bulldogs a chance against anyone on the schedule as long as Mississippi State can run the football and allow him to be a true dual-threat.
That role belongs to South Alabama transfer and Oneonta running back Fluff Bothwell. In his first year with the Bulldogs, the 230-pounder ran for 677 yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging nearly 5 yards per carry.
The biggest improvement may be on the offensive line where the Bulldogs went portal shopping and filled up the cart. Mississippi State added 9 offensive linemen from the transfer portal in the offseason and that could significantly impact them on offense this year.
A former Auburn recruit that played first at LSU, DJ Chester played in 24 games in Baton Rouge with 14 starts and could be a valuable addition because of his versatility. Big Miles McVay comes in from North Carolina with massive Tyler Miller making the move from LSU with Chester back to his home state. Another addition is Mercer transfer Jamari Freeman. He started 33 games for the Bears and comes from powerhouse Langston Hughes in Fairburn, Georgia.
At receiver, Mississippi State lost speedy Brenen Thompson but Georgia transfer Anthony Evans is back after catching 67 passes for over 800 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Bulldogs will be counting on Oklahoma transfer Zion Ragins to bring the speed. He played in 15 games with the Sooners and will be a key part of the offense.
Defense
Defensively, Mississippi State is searching for serious improvement after giving up 30 points per game last season. Former head coach Zach Arnett is back as the defensive coordinator and will be looking for playmakers up front to start with.
Last season the Bulldogs had just 21 sacks as a team with Nic Mitchell's 2.5 leading the way. He's gone, so they went to the portal to bring in Amaree Williams from Florida State. A former tight end turned edge, Williams has the potential to be a breakout performer for the Bulldogs. In the middle Mississippi State has a bunch of big bodies with Texas A&M transfer Dealyn Evans, someone they are expecting big things from.
On the back end, Kelley Jones may wind up being one of the best players in the Southeastern Conference this season and a future first round pick. A 6-4, 195 cornerback, Jones has played in 27 games with 17 career starts and has 63 tackles with a pair of interceptions the last two seasons.
He's joined by physical safety Isaac Smith, who has played in 33 career games with 20 starts. A 6-0, 220 senior, Smith has 206 career tackles and could be another high draft choice from the Mississippi State defense.
Most Valuable Tigers: No. 14:
https://247sports.com/college/auburn/article/auburn-tigers-football-cornerback-andre-jordan-rayshawn-pleasant--288167120/
CBS Sports gives SEC-wide props to blue-chip Auburn freshman:
https://flywareagle.com/cbs-sports-gives-sec-wide-props-blue-chip-auburn-freshman
Alex Golesh can't take the bait from Brian Hartline's USF dig:
https://flywareagle.com/alex-golesh-cant-take-bait-brian-hartline-usf-dig
Path to the Plains: Wide receiver Chas Nimrod:
https://www.on3.com/teams/auburn-tigers/news/path-to-the-plains-wide-receiver-chas-nimrod/
How high does Byrum Brown sit in the latest SEC QB Rankings from On3?:
https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/auburn/football/2026/07/07/auburn-football-sec-quarterback-rankings-byrum-brown/90828489007/
Alex Golesh Lost to Navy While At USF. Should Auburn Fans Be Concerned?:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/alex-golesh-lost-to-navy-while-at-usf-should-auburn-fans-be-concerned
Analyst Previews Auburn Football’s Biggest Offensive Strength in 2026:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/analyst-previews-auburn-football-biggest-offensive-strength-in-2026
Golesh’s Recruiting Efforts Are Not Done Yet For Auburn, Says Analyst:
https://www.si.com/college/auburn/recruiting/golesh-s-recruiting-efforts-are-not-done-yet-for-auburn-says-analyst
Auburn's 2027 RB haul is among the nation's best says one outlet:
https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/auburn/recruiting/2026/07/06/auburn-football-recruiting-top-rb-class-2027-sec/90820159007/
Alex Golesh and Auburn get strong July recruiting forecast:
https://flywareagle.com/alex-golesh-auburn-get-strong-july-recruiting-forecast
2026 Opponent Breakdown: Game 10 at Mississippi State:
https://247sports.com/college/auburn/article/auburn-takes-on-mississippi-state-in-starkville-on-nov-14-288179909/
******************************
By Nathan King
We're still in the heart of the college football offseason, but things are getting closer in the rearview mirror: inside a month until media days, and less than 70 days until the 2026 season, Auburn's first under head coach Alex Golesh.
So what better time to crank up the rankings? As we do annually this time of year, Auburn Undercover is counting down the top 25 most valuable players for the Tigers' 2026 season.
A few notes to set the table: These rankings are based on a player's previous contributions in college, as well as his assumed impact in 2026 — how important he is expected to be to Auburn's success in both production and the win-loss column. It is not simply Auburn's best players in descending order.
Next up is No. 14: cornerback Andre Jordan Jr., who was Auburn's strongest pickup from the portal in the team's efforts to replace outgoing cornerbacks Kayin Lee and Jay Crawford, and who brings plenty of experience as a starter.
AS A RECRUIT
Hometown: Federal Way, Wash.
Class: 2023
247Sports ranking: 3-star, No. 62 CB
2026 transfer ranking: No. 21 CB
AS A PLAYER
Power Four starters carried a lot of value for this Auburn team in the transfer portal, and the Tigers were able to land one at a big position of need. Jordan, who began his career at Oregon State, got on the field as a true freshman before starting his sophomore season.
Last year at UCLA, Jordan was an honorable mention on the All-Big Ten teams, with seven pass breakups. He was tied for No. 1 among Big Ten cornerbacks in forced incompletion rate, per Pro Football Focus, at 21%. Jordan allowed a catch on only 51% of his targets on the year, which was No. 9 in the conference.
Jordan was regarded as one of the better cover corners in the portal, and Auburn found itself in a battle with Arizona State for his services. He was one of the Tigers' later transfer additions, signing Jan. 10.
Jordan was expected to come fill a starting job at Auburn, after Lee and Crawford both exited in the portal, and was unsurprisingly a first-team fixture during spring practice. With Rayshawn Pleasant dealing with a nagging injury by the time the spring game rolled around, and competition continuing for the No. 3 cornerback spot with Blake Woodby, Gavin Jenkins and others, Jordan was undoubtedly the most consistent player at that position exiting spring ball.
2026 OUTLOOK
It was essentially a tossup on our list between Pleasant, who was one spot lower, and Jordan, seeing as both have their individual strengths. Pleasant obviously is a returning player and has more knowledge of this defense — and is a potent return man — but we're giving a slight nod to Jordan in terms of "value" because of what he is expected to provide. Auburn had a major hole at cornerback, and Jordan is the best player added at that position. He needs to be solid.
Additionally, Jordan is considered the best player on the defense in terms of outside coverage skills. He was a nuisance for Auburn's new receivers to deal with in spring ball, and his sticky coverage has been his forte for the past couple seasons. Jordan prioritizes physical and pesky coverage over gambling for passes, considering he's still looking for his first career interception.
Perhaps Auburn will not have to be excellent at cornerback if it has a deep and productive safety room, which appears to be the case. Jordan and Pleasant will probably have a lot of support on the back end. Regardless, cornerback starters are always going to be highly important spots on the roster, and if both Jordan and Pleasant were a bit more proven in an orange and blue uniform, they'd probably be in our top 10.
That could very well be the case in 2027, though, as Jordan will look to benefit from the NCAA's new five-for-five rule. This coming season will be his fourth without a redshirt, and his five-year clock started in 2023, so he'll get an additional year of eligibility.
WHAT THEY SAID
"A brotherhood. Everyone's got each other's backs, everyone's trying to help each other. Everyone can come to each other, and if you mess up, they'll tell you how you messed up and how you can get better the next time. I just feel like we've all got each other's back." — Jordan on Auburn's cornerback room under new position coach DeMarcus Van Dyke
*************************
CBS Sports gives SEC-wide props to blue-chip Auburn freshman
By Andrew Hughes
Fly War Eagle
The Auburn Tigers have a Keldric Faulk-sized hole at the EDGE spot after he was drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans. Perhaps outside linebacker recruit Jaquez Wilkes could step in immediately and help fill that void.
That's CBS Sports' Brad Crawford's thinking, anyway. Crawford listed Wilkes as an SEC freshman to watch during the 2026 season. Wilkes was Auburn's lone representative in what is a very portal-heavy roster that also retained plenty of talent under DJ Durkin defensively.
"The Tigers have the experience to ease Wilkes into the lineup, but his talent could shorten the process. The rangy freshman possesses the sideline-to-sideline speed and instincts that are musts for first-year contributors in this league. Coaches have been impressed with his maturity and ability to process the game, traits that often determine whether young pass rush-linebacker hybrids see the field early. Wilkes also has the versatility to help on special teams while earning defensive snaps. By the second half of the season, he could be one of Auburn's most dependable young defenders," Crawford wrote.
Ole Miss Rebels transfer Da'Shawn Womack and sophomore Jared Smith are likely the two starters, but if Wilkes could make big plays, perhaps the coaching staff could give him a look. Wilkes is aggressive in bursting through the line from various entry points, but that was against Class 1A, Region 6 competition. Not to downplay Wadley's opponents, but Class 1A competition doesn't stack up to the level of talent he's about to face in the SEC.
Clearly, Crawford isn't worried about that. Wilkes' eye test is enough to believe he's going to be special sooner rather than later. Of course, it'll be on Durkin and Co. to develop him, though Durkin does his best work with LBs. So there's that.
Jaquez Wilkes could have an Arvell Reese-type ascension if used right
Follow me here for a second. New York Giants EDGE Arvell Reese was one of the most physically gifted players to ever suit up in the Scarlet and Gray. With that said, maybe it's not crazy to think Wilkes could turn out like the former Ohio State Buckeye if enough things break right.
Stylistically, they're both sideline-to-sideline menaces. Both excel against the run, probably more so than the pass rush. Their size is nearly identical, and that's before Wilkes has had a full season in the weight room at the Woltosz Football Performance Center.
Where the comparison is tested is the 40-yard dash. Reese's 4.46 is something Wilkes needs to strive for. He's slightly behind that (4.61). Again, though, this is someone who didn't have access to the kind of facilities he's about to have.
Wilkes has serious potential to become a standout on the Plains, but patience will be needed. Unlike those coming from powerhouses like Thompson or Central, Wilkes has to catch up to speed. If he embraces the opportunity he now has, it's not absurd to think Reese's is an attainable profile for Wilkes in the coming years.
***********************
Alex Golesh can't take the bait from Brian Hartline's USF dig
By Andrew Hughes
Fly War Eagle
Alex Golesh's head coaching successor with the USF Bulls, Brian Hartline, just called out the job Golesh did in Tampa over the past three years in charge. Hartline said that, "There was some success here the last couple of years, but nowhere near where it should be."
USF fans would probably agree, at least about the 2025 season. What started with potential to represent the American in the CFP -- something the Tulane Green Wave accomplished instead -- turned into a disappointing end to the season that may have been contributed to by Golesh's job interviews with the Auburn Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks.
What Hartline said overlooks the fact that Golesh's coaching staff brought the Bulls out of a four-win-in-three-year stretch. With that said, Hartline is under no obligation to butter Golesh up or even accurately acknowledge what the ex-USF headman accomplished.
Bulls fans hate Golesh for ditching them as the rebuild was just getting good. That's never going to change. Hartline has to convince his fanbase that the level of play is about to ramp up. If the former Ohio State Buckeyes WR coach/offensive coordinator can recruit anywhere close at the skill-positions to what he used to in Columbus, there's a good chance he makes good on that promise.
That's cool. Frankly, it's none of Golesh's business anymore. He opted for bigger and better things in the SEC.
USF must be in Alex Golesh's rearview mirror
It might be tempting to retort Hartline's comment, but if I were Golesh's PR manager, I'd tell the 42-year-old that it'd be a losing battle. USF's fanbase has largely made up its mind about Golesh, and worrying about the past would make it seem like the future isn't infinitely brighter. Which, of course, it is.
While bringing the Bulls to the CFP could've cemented his legacy in the Sunshine State, Golesh could become a more lasting icon in the Yellowhammer State by being the first man to bring AU to the dance. Unlike at USF, Golesh could field a legitimate championship roster with the Tigers in any given year. Jimmy Rane has promised institutional support, and Auburn has more clout with recruits in the region than the Bulls. As the Alabama Crimson Tide's stranglehold on the state loosens with Kalen DeBoer wasting the program's momentum from the Nick Saban years, Golesh has a prime opportunity to fully take over the Iron Bowl rivalry. It seems clear that's his goal.
In the SEC, when you're located in East Central Alabama, you should be worrying about the Tide, the Georgia Bulldogs, and any program in the "It Just Means More" conference that can compete financially. Not what your successor at USF says.
Golesh rebuilt and reimagined what the Bulls could do, and will never get the credit he deserves. It's a losing battle trying to convince emotional people that their biased viewpoint is wrong. Ask anyone involved with politics on either side about that when trying to persuade dug-in constituents.
Why fight that battle at all? Golesh has far greater adversaries than Hartline's soundbites and USF's fanbase responding to them.
***********************
Path to the Plains: Wide receiver Chas Nimrod
By Caleb Jones
Auburn’s roster will look almost brand new this fall.
It’s just how college football operates nowadays. The transfer portal makes it more rare than ever for fans to know the entire roster like they used to. And since there’s so much overturn on Auburn’s roster, there’s no better time than the summer to get to know the guys suiting up for the Tigers this fall.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll take a look at the projected two-deep and their journey to the Plains.
Up next is wide receiver Chas Nimrod, who transferred this offseason from South Florida.
THIRD SCHOOL WITH GOLESH
Nimrod is on his third school of his career, but all three have been centered around his relationship with Alex Golesh and Kodi Burns.
The two coaches recruited Nimrod out of Bentonville (Ark.), where he ranked as a 3-star prospect and a top-five player in Arkansas. Nimrod took official visits with Illinois, Kansas State, Washington State, Utah State and Tennessee.
Ultimately, his relationship with Golesh, who was the offensive coordinator, and Burns, who was the wide receivers coach, led to Nimrod signing with Tennessee.
Nimrod appeared in just two games as a true freshman. Following the season, Golesh took the head coaching job with South Florida and Burns left for an NFL job. Regardless, Nimrod stayed the course with Tennessee for two more seasons, making 29 catches for 315 yards receiving and one touchdown over the next two seasons.
Seeking a more defined role, Nimrod entered the transfer portal following the 2024 season. Golesh hired Kodi Burns to be his wide receivers coach ahead of the 2025 season, and Nimrod elected to reunite with his primary recruiters out of high school at South Florida.
Nimrod tallied 23 receptions for 466 yards receiving and three touchdowns in seven games; an injury cut his year short.
Now, with Golesh and Burns coaching Auburn, Nimrod is back in the SEC. He’ll have on season of eligibility, and is expected to be a first-team wide receiver this fall for the Tigers.
QUOTES OF NOTE
Quarterback Byrum Brown on Nimrod:
“I hate to say it, but: 1,000-yard receiver. I’m going to put that expectation on him. He works hard each and every day. I know he’s shooting for that, and I’m going to work hard to get it to him and everyone else, as well.”
Alex Golesh on Nimrod’s growth:
“I’ve had Chas as a freshman and then I had Chas as a fourth-year junior last year, and I’ve seen his growth, but right now, physically, mentally, his process, what he looks like is the best version I’ve seen of him and he’s playing really confidently. He’s leading. It’s been really impressive to watch.”
Nimrod on his time with Auburn thus far:
“It’s been really good. It’s been a pretty easy transition with all the familiar faces. All the new guys are super cool and accepting, and make it pretty easy to get used to. And then Auburn itself, all the fans and everything, make it super welcoming. So it’s been good so far.”
**************************
How high does Byrum Brown sit in the latest SEC QB Rankings from On3?
By Taylor Jones
Auburn Wire
Another preseason SEC quarterback ranking has been released. As has been the case with several other rankings, Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown is on the lower side, due mainly to uncertainty.
On3's Chris Low has submitted his preseason SEC quarterback rankings, where Byrum Brown slides in at No. 8 behind several key names, including Oklahoma's John Mateer, Texas' Arch Manning, and Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss. Low acknowledges that Brown has the potential to succeed against SEC defenses and is the quarterback most likely to climb up the ladder.
His first section of evidence is Brown's passing game. Brown's throwing motion has been a source of criticism since he arrived at Auburn. However, Low believes that Brown's motion is a non-story, since he accomplished a feat no other quarterback did in 2025.
Much has been made of Brown’s unorthodox throwing motion, but it’s obviously not an issue with Golesh. And who could argue with Brown’s productivity? He was the only FBS player last season to pass for more than 3,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 yards and completed 66.3 percent of his passes as opposed to seven interceptions in 341 passing attempts.
Brown is a strong thrower, but his running ability could ultimately seperate himself from other quarterbacks in the SEC. Low believes that Brown can shine on the big stage of SEC play, citing two games in which he delivered clutch performances last season.
The 6-3, 235-pound Brown is a bear to tackle. Go watch the highlights of the Boise State game last season, and on big stages, Brown was 23-of-36 passing for 263 yards and also rushed for 66 yards in the 18-16 win at Florida.
Brown enters his final season of college football eligibility with 7,690 passing yards and 2,265 rushing yards. He has reached 3,000 passing yards twice in his career and rushed for over 1,000 last season. If he mimics last year's performance at Auburn this season, he will be the third quarterback in program history to pass for over 3,000 yards and the first to pass for over 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in a single season.
***************************
Alex Golesh Lost to Navy While At USF. Should Auburn Fans Be Concerned?
By Brooks Crew
Auburn Tigers on SI
One of the bigger narratives surrounding new Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh, from the day he was hired, has been a questionable blemish on his record: a 41-38 loss to Navy in 2025.
Many fans of the Tigers are concerned because a large part of USF’s roster, especially on offense, is set to play on the Plains in the fall, along with, of course, their head coach and offensive coordinator.
So, should Tiger fans be worried? After a deeper look at the matchup, frankly, we are not all too concerned. Let’s break it down.
Perhaps the biggest discrepancy between last year’s USF squad and this year’s Auburn team is the defense. After all, the Tigers returned most major contributors from last year’s top-level squad (save for Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford, who were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft), which should bode well for the Tigers in 2026.
The Tigers’ defense consistently kept Auburn in close matchups throughout Hugh Freeze’s tenure, regardless of the level of their opponent, and is expected to be top-of-the-line once again under returning defensive coordinator DJ Durkin. Conversely, it seemed as if USF’s offense was succeeding in spite of its defense, which allowed over 330 rushing yards to the Midshipmen in their 2025 matchup.
The Midshipmen broke off several big plays against what appeared to be a paper-thin USF defense, including an 82-yard reception that, to this day, stands as the largest Navy passing play in nearly 16 years. In total, Navy accounted for over 500 yards of offense against the Bulls, largely on big, breakaway plays in the first half, a feat that would surely be nigh-impossible in a traditional matchup with the Tigers.
The Bulls also had a special teams miscue when kicker Nico Gramatica missed a point-after try to cut the lead to three late in the fourth quarter. Auburn kicker Alex McPherson has yet to miss a PAT in his career, so it is safe to assume that this will not be an issue for Golesh’s new team.
Golesh and offensive coordinator Joel Gordon illustrated their quarterback’s ability to make big plays in key moments, including a 60-yard rushing touchdown and a 41-yard passing touchdown. Brown finished up the day with 327 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, as well as a team-high 136 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Notably, the next highest rusher on the team was Alvon Isaac, who rushed seven times for 32 yards. Brown will almost certainly have much better help in his backfield this season, especially with the addition of Bryson Washington, a Baylor transfer who will join Auburn starter Jeremiah Cobb in the backfield.
The Bulls even pulled a few tricks out of their bag, including a 29-yard touchdown pass from then-freshman running back Nykahi Davenport to Jeremiah Koger, both of whom are now Tigers.
The Bulls’ two leading receivers were Jeremiah Koger, who hauled in nine passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, as well as Keshaun Singleton, who made two highly impressive contested catches on his way to a five-reception, 86-yard, one-touchdown day.
However, it was not all sunshine and roses for the Bulls’ offense, even if their defense was a major contributor to their eventual loss, as in the second quarter, Byrum Brown threw a pretty bad interception off his back foot with little pressure in his face. Typically, he tucks and rushes on plays like these, which worked well for the Bulls throughout that matchup, and the offense was able to recover from the miscue.
In total, the Bulls managed only nine points in the first half, scoring a field goal and second-quarter touchdown, after which they failed to convert an aggressive two-point try. However, the second half was quite more up to Golesh’s tempo, as the Bulls scored on four of their five second-half drives, not including the one second ‘drive’ to close the game that was only a desperate lateral play.
So, all things considered, I believe that though Auburn’s new offense may have some holes in it and things to continue developing, they have proven an ability to score efficiently at a high level when firing on all cylinders. They will, however, need to figure out how to come out of the gate hot, as we learned last year that Auburn’s defense is top-of-the-line, but they can only save you from so much.
**************************
Analyst Previews Auburn Football’s Biggest Offensive Strength in 2026
By Brooks Crew
Auburn Tigers on SI
The Auburn Tigers still have many questions surrounding their upcoming 2026 season, especially with new head coach Alex Golesh at the helm and a litany of new transfers that are set to make up the Tigers’ offense. 247Sports’ Christian Clemente still believes that the Tigers have a particular room on offense that could be a massive difference-maker come September.
More specifically, Auburn’s running backs are expected to be flying at heights unseen this year, especially with the big-time addition of Bryson Washington, who transferred over from Baylor this past offseason.
“The biggest strength likely comes in the backfield, pairing Brown with a stable of running backs,” Clemente said. “Jeremiah Cobb nearly went for 1,000 yards last year in Hugh Freeze’s incompetent offense, then Auburn went out and added Bryson Washington from Baylor as one of the top transfer running backs.
“You also have Nykahi Davenport who started at USF last year and Tae Meadows who started at Troy last year. So, four different starting running backs along with second-year back Omar Mabson II, who the staff is very high on.”
One of the aspects that made Auburn’s defense so lethal last year (and largely why it is expected to be as strong this year) was their depth and rotation, which allowed top-level players like Xavier Atkins to stay fresh, while also providing opportunities for other key players to shine in big moments.
Similarly, the Tigers’ running back room should have the depth for a deep rotation in 2026, in which the Tigers could use any of their four starters on any given play. Of course, Auburn returner Jeremiah Cobb is expected to take the lion’s share of touches this year, but do not sleep on the potential impact of Washington, Davenport or Meadows.
The Tigers will have opportunities to figure out which backs produce the best in which moments before SEC play, though their week one matchup against Baylor is no tune-up, so all four backs will still need to be on top of their game, even before conference play begins.
With that said, Cobb, Washington and quarterback Byrum Brown certainly have the credentials and experience to make big moves in 2026, as they are the only Auburn trio in recent memory to each boast over 1,000 career rushing yards. In fact, Brown eclipsed that number in 2025 alone.
Without a doubt, the Tigers are poised to be incredibly strong in the backfield this year, though one key weakness could prove to shake things up dramatically in the rushing game.
*************************
Golesh’s Recruiting Efforts Are Not Done Yet For Auburn, Says Analyst
By Brooks Crew
Auburn Tigers on SI
The Auburn Tigers have, rather surprisingly, dominated on the recruiting trail this summer. As it stands, the Tigers’ 2027 class currently ranks among the top-10 in the country, according to most major ranking systems, as well as top five in the SEC.
With 24 commits to his name, one would think Alex Golesh would be satisfied with his first full recruiting cycle as the Tigers’ head coach. However, that may not be the case, according to Yellowhammer News’ Michael Brauner.
“By the sounds of it, more players may be on the way in the month of July as Golesh continues to lay the groundwork for what his program will be, building and developing relationships with local prospects across the Southeast.”
The Tigers are still involved in a few high-profile commitments, including that of Karlos May, a four-star defensive lineman who is currently a top pick to end up at Ohio State, though his chances of landing with the Buckeyes are not as high as Deshawn Hall’s chances to end up at Penn State were before he committed to Auburn.
Of course, anything is possible in the chaos that is recruiting, but the most impressive part of Golesh’s recruiting efforts has to be the fact that no recruit has ever seen how a Golesh-led Auburn team actually performs on the field.
Sure, they have seen his product at South Florida, but the SEC is an entirely different ballgame as far as competition goes, and the fact that Golesh boasts one of the top classes in the country without a consistent product is quite impressive. However, that begs the question: how will Auburn’s recruiting fare once the team actually takes the field in September?
Of course, if the Tigers dominate in 2026, recruiting certainly gets easier. However, if the Tigers fall from grace this year, much like highly talented Hugh Freeze-led teams of the past, recruits may decide other programs will give them better chances than a potential repeat of the consistent disappointment that was Freeze’s tenure.
“Golesh is going to have to show that his system actually works on Saturdays in the fall as an SEC head coach, and fans would love to see some serious improvement on offense at the very least during the 2026 season,” Brauner said. “But in terms of what can actually be evaluated so far, this program looks like it’s in very good hands.”
****************************
Auburn's 2027 RB haul is among the nation's best says one outlet
By Taylor Jones
Auburn Wire
Auburn football has won many recruiting battles this summer and has spent time building up one particular position group, running back.
Auburn's 2027 recruiting haul includes two running backs: four-star Myson Johnson-Cook and three-star Khamoni Williams. Auburn's running back pull was recently recognized by Rivals and On3, as the Tigers hold one of the nation's top running back classes of the 2027 recruiting cycle so far.
Williams flipped his decision from West Virginia to Auburn on June 21, joining three-star athlete Preston Williams in making a Father's Day pledge to the Auburn Tigers. Williams was a 1,000-yard rusher as a 10th grader at Memphis Business Academy in Tennessee, and rushed for nearly 900 yards as an 11th grader. He proved to be a solid vertical threat as well by making 28 catches for 405 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Williams is the No. 42 running back in the 2027 class according to Rivals, and the No. 22 player from Tennessee. The three-star back is a consensus three-star by every major outlet and stands 5-10, 205 pounds.
Johnson-Cook is the second-highest rated commitment in Auburn's class, trailing only defensive back Chance Gilbert. Johnson-Cook holds a four-star score of 94.27 from Rivals. The 6-1, 235-pound back is the No. 4 running back from the class and the No. 4 player from Missouri. Johnson-Cook committed to Auburn in April and is viewed as the future centerpiece of the Auburn running back room that will lose star back Jeremiah Cobb and Troy transfer Tae Meadows following the 2026 season.
Auburn football's 2027 recruiting class ranks No. 13 in the nation currently, according to Rivals, and No. 6 in the SEC.
**************************
Alex Golesh and Auburn get strong July recruiting forecast
By Mary Kate Hughes
Fly War Eagle
As Auburn football fans found out over the last two seasons, top-level recruiting doesn't always translate to success on the field. Still, it's a crucial part to having a successful program, and something that some fans worried about when Alex Golesh was hired as the Tigers' head coach last fall.
Fast forward to the present, and the former South Florida head coach has effectively quashed those fears. Heading into the 2026 season, Golesh has the Tigers' recruiting class of 2027 sitting in the top-10 nationally at No. 9 and No. 4 in the SEC.
The class is made up of 25 commits so far with 10 4-stars and 15 3-stars in the group. The Tigers have locked down players from nine different states, the most (seven) coming from Georgia. Six plaers from the state of Alabama have committed to the Tigers. Auburn's most highly-ranked recruitin the class is Mobile, Alabama, native Isaac McNeil, a 4-star linebacker. He is closely followed by 4-star running back Myson Johnson-Cook from East St. Louis, Illinois.
Golesh and his coaching staff have had great success so far on the recruiting trail, but one news outlet reports that they aren't finished yet and that the Tigers could see more recruits hop on board before the end of the summer.
"By the sounds of it, more players may be on the way in the month of July as Golesh continues to lay the groundwork for what his program will be, building and developing relationships with local prospects across the Southeast," writes Michael Brauner of Yellowhammer News.
One of those players is 4-star defensive lineman Karlos May from Birmingham, Alabama, another recruit that Golesh and his staff are trying to keep in the state. Ranked as teh No. 121 overall players and the No. 11 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2027, May has scheduled his official commitment day for July 18.
According to his recruiting profile on 247 Sports, May's top five schools are Ohio State, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State and Alabama, but his decision will likely come down to those first three schools. May officially visited the Plains on June 12, and his recruitment has been led by defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams, one of the staffers from former head coach Hugh Freeze's squad that remained with the team when Golesh took over.
While Golesh will still have to prove that he can translate the successful recruiting into wins, he's certainly starting off strong on the Plains.
***************************
2026 Opponent Breakdown: Game 10 at Mississippi State
By Jason Caldwell
In part three of our preview of Auburn's 2026 opponents, we take a look at the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who face one of the most difficult schedules in the country this season but have a talented quarterback to lead the way.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
2025 results: 5-8 (1-7 SEC)
@ Southern Miss 34-17
Arizona State 24-20
Alcorn State 63-0
Northern Illinois 38-10
Tennessee 34-41
@ Texas A&M 9-31
@ Florida 21-23
Texas 38-45 (OT)
@ Arkansas 38-35
Georgia 21-41
@ Missouri 27-49
Ole Miss 19-38
Vs. Wake Forest 29-43
2026 schedule:
Sept. 5, vs. ULM
Sept. 12, @ Minnesota
Sept. 19, @ South Carolina
Sept. 26, vs. Missouri
Oct. 3, vs. Alabama
Oct. 17, @ LSU
Oct. 24, vs. Oklahoma
Oct. 31, @ Texas
Nov. 7, vs. Vanderbilt
Nov. 14, vs. Auburn
Nov. 21, vs. Tennessee Tech
Nov. 27, @ Ole Miss
Even though last season finished on a down note with four straight losses by more than two touchdowns, 2025 was a season of what could have been for Mississippi State. Losing at home to Tennessee by a touchdown and by two points in Gainesville, the Bulldogs gave away at game at home to Texas in an overtime loss. It could have easily been a winning season in Starkville, but instead they limped to the finish line.
Offense
But there are reasons for optimism heading into 2026 and the biggest is quarterback Kamario Taylor. An impressive athlete at 6-4, 230, the true sophomore played in 11 games last season with a pair of starts. He completed 43-77 passes for 629 yards and 5 touchdowns with a lone interception. He also added 82 carries for 458 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Make no mistake, Taylor is the real deal and will give the Bulldogs a chance against anyone on the schedule as long as Mississippi State can run the football and allow him to be a true dual-threat.
That role belongs to South Alabama transfer and Oneonta running back Fluff Bothwell. In his first year with the Bulldogs, the 230-pounder ran for 677 yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging nearly 5 yards per carry.
The biggest improvement may be on the offensive line where the Bulldogs went portal shopping and filled up the cart. Mississippi State added 9 offensive linemen from the transfer portal in the offseason and that could significantly impact them on offense this year.
A former Auburn recruit that played first at LSU, DJ Chester played in 24 games in Baton Rouge with 14 starts and could be a valuable addition because of his versatility. Big Miles McVay comes in from North Carolina with massive Tyler Miller making the move from LSU with Chester back to his home state. Another addition is Mercer transfer Jamari Freeman. He started 33 games for the Bears and comes from powerhouse Langston Hughes in Fairburn, Georgia.
At receiver, Mississippi State lost speedy Brenen Thompson but Georgia transfer Anthony Evans is back after catching 67 passes for over 800 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Bulldogs will be counting on Oklahoma transfer Zion Ragins to bring the speed. He played in 15 games with the Sooners and will be a key part of the offense.
Defense
Defensively, Mississippi State is searching for serious improvement after giving up 30 points per game last season. Former head coach Zach Arnett is back as the defensive coordinator and will be looking for playmakers up front to start with.
Last season the Bulldogs had just 21 sacks as a team with Nic Mitchell's 2.5 leading the way. He's gone, so they went to the portal to bring in Amaree Williams from Florida State. A former tight end turned edge, Williams has the potential to be a breakout performer for the Bulldogs. In the middle Mississippi State has a bunch of big bodies with Texas A&M transfer Dealyn Evans, someone they are expecting big things from.
On the back end, Kelley Jones may wind up being one of the best players in the Southeastern Conference this season and a future first round pick. A 6-4, 195 cornerback, Jones has played in 27 games with 17 career starts and has 63 tackles with a pair of interceptions the last two seasons.
He's joined by physical safety Isaac Smith, who has played in 33 career games with 20 starts. A 6-0, 220 senior, Smith has 206 career tackles and could be another high draft choice from the Mississippi State defense.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages