Camp Concludes, Game Prep Begins
Auburn football has wrapped up its preseason camp after nearly three weeks, marking the transition into game preparation for the season opener against Baylor. The upcoming week serves as a mock game week before the real thing, according to al.com. Two scrimmages during camp helped settle several position battles, with potential breakout players beginning to emerge.
Quarterback: Brown Leads, Ti'a Backs Up
At quarterback, Byrum Brown is the clear starter, a role he assumed after spending the last three seasons as head coach Alex Golesh's starter at South Florida. The backup competition was more contested, with Tristan Ti'a ultimately beating out USF transfer Locklan Hewlett. Ti'a, who spent his freshman season as Oregon State's backup, held the advantage for most of the offseason, per al.com.
Brown's credentials are notable: Sports Illustrated reports he was the only FBS quarterback last year to rush for over 1,000 yards while also passing for over 3,000 yards. However, the same report notes concerns about how his physical playing style will adapt to the SEC.
Running Back: Cobb Leads a Deep Group
Jeremiah Cobb is the starter at running back, with Omar Mabson II, Bryson Washington, and Nykahi Davenport as backups. al.com describes the running back room as deep and versatile, with the Tigers potentially using three or four backs in any game. Washington, a former 1,000-yard rusher at Baylor, arrived with expectations of forming a one-two punch with Cobb, but conditioning concerns have held him back at times. Mabson has been the second back during most of spring practice and camp, though Washington has started to emerge recently. Sports Illustrated also notes Washington is still working to get into shape for the season.
Receivers Rebuilt with USF Transfers
Auburn underwent a full rebuild at receiver, a position group hit hard by departures. Sports Illustrated reports all five of the Tigers' best receivers departed alongside former coach Hugh Freeze, prompting Golesh to supplement the room with many USF transfers. al.com specifies that Auburn signed five USF transfers to rebuild the position.
The projected starters are Keshaun Singleton, Chas Nimrod, and Jeremiah Koger, with Christian Neptune, DeShawn Spencer, and Brian Williams Jr. as backups, according to al.com.
Tight End: Johnson Leads, Boardingham Battles Injuries
At tight end, Jake Johnson and Arlis Boardingham are the projected starters, with Johnson currently leading the position due to Boardingham's injury problems, per al.com.
Offensive Line: Transfers and Recovery Shape the Unit
The offensive line starters are projected as Jo Simmons at left tackle, Jacob Strand at left guard, Cole Best at center, Cole Skinner at right guard, and Stanton Ramil at right tackle, according to al.com. Simmons transferred from James Madison, where he was the starting left tackle during their 2025 College Football Playoff run. Strand came from Oregon State, where he played mostly tackle. Best was the starting center at USF. Skinner also transferred from USF, and his experience helped him secure a starting spot. Ramil missed spring practice due to injury but recovered to lock down a starting tackle position.
However, Sports Illustrated paints a less settled picture, calling the offensive line a big question mark with no clear starter at this point. This contrasts with al.com's detailed projections, suggesting some uncertainty remains.
Bowl Projection and Program Context
Sports Illustrated, citing CBS Sports' Brad Crawford, projects Auburn to play UTSA in the Birmingham Bowl in 2026. This would mark the Tigers' first bowl appearance since 2023. The report notes Auburn has not had a winning season since before COVID-19, a drought the article attributes partly to Hugh Freeze's era, where strong rosters on paper failed to translate into wins. The piece strikes an optimistic tone, suggesting 'the winds appear to be changing on the Plains' under Alex Golesh, who has been running a disciplined camp, including monitoring players' dress down to underwear.
Auburn will play a nine-game SEC slate this year, adding to the challenge of the upcoming season.