Auburn Tigers

Auburn enters 2026 with a completely revamped offense under first-year head coach Alex Golesh, who brought his high-scoring system from South Florida. The Tigers have not finished in the top 50 nationally in scoring since 2019, but Golesh's arrival, along with quarterback Byrum Brown and several USF transfers, signals a shift toward an up-tempo, dual-threat attack. Brown, who eclipsed 3,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in both 2023 and 2025, is the centerpiece of a unit that also features leading rusher Jeremiah Cobb and Baylor transfer Bryson Washington. The offensive line, anchored by all-league center Cole Best and James Madison transfer Jo Simmons, must protect Brown and open lanes for a run game that could be the engine of the offense.

Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, retained after serving as interim head coach, brings stability to a unit that showed promise in 2025. Linebacker Xavier Atkins, a first-team All-SEC selection with nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss, is the defensive anchor alongside Elijah Melendez. The secondary returns experienced safeties Eric Winters, Sylvester Smith, and AnQuon Fegans, while UCLA transfer Andre Jordan Jr. bolsters a cornerback group that was a question mark. The defensive line is heavily reliant on transfers, including Cody Sigler, Da'Shawn Womack, Nate Johnson, Saint Farrior, and Walter Mathis Jr., who join returning sophomores Jourdin Crawford, Jared Smith, and Darrion Smith. If these newcomers mesh quickly, the defense could be a strength.

Auburn boasts one of the nation's top kickers in senior Alex McPherson, a Lou Groza Award candidate who holds the program's career record for field goal percentage at 88.9. Punter Hudson Kaak returns for his second year as starter, and primary kickoff returner Rayshawn Pleasant is back, giving the Tigers reliable special teams play that could be a difference-maker in close games.

The biggest vulnerability for Auburn is the offensive line, which is transfer-heavy and must develop cohesion quickly. While Cole Best is a proven anchor, the rest of the line features newcomers like Jo Simmons and other imports. If the line holds up, Byrum Brown and the skill players can thrive. If not, the offense could struggle to find consistency, especially early in the season against a tough schedule. The team's ability to blend two rosters into one cohesive unit, as Golesh noted, will be critical.

Auburn opens the season against Baylor at a neutral site, a game that will immediately test the new-look offense and the defense's ability to handle a quality opponent. The Tigers have a manageable travel schedule with only 1,760 miles of season travel, which could help with recovery and preparation. As the season progresses, the key will be whether the offense can reach the top 50 in scoring and whether the defensive transfers can elevate the unit. If both happen, Auburn could surprise in the SEC and compete for a bowl berth.