Auburn fans, it's been a long road since the days when Bo Nix was a freshman and Gus Malzahn was leading the charge. The Tigers haven't seen more than six wins in a season since 2019, a stretch that feels like an eternity given the program's storied past. But with Alex Golesh stepping in from USF, where he posted a solid 23-15 record over three seasons, there's a renewed sense of optimism on the Plains.
So, what are the expectations for Golesh's first year? According to FanDuel, there's a good chance Auburn could break through to that elusive seven-win mark in 2026, with the over/under set at 6.5 wins.
Golesh's arrival has been seen as a fresh start, but it wasn't without its challenges. The early days were marked by a significant talent drain, with key players like Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, and Deuce Knight opting to move on.
However, Golesh didn't waste time reloading through the transfer portal. He brought in quarterback Byrum Brown, who knows Golesh's system well from their time together at USF, along with a group of familiar faces at wide receiver: Keshaun Singleton, Kory Pettigrew, Jeremiah Koger, Chas Nimrod, and Christian Neptune.
These additions aim to fill the gaps left by the departing talent.
The Tigers have a promising start to the season, kicking off with a game against Baylor in Atlanta. While it's technically a neutral site, the proximity to Auburn could give the Tigers a bit of a home-field advantage. Following that, they have a favorable stretch with three consecutive home games against Southern Miss, Florida, and Vanderbilt.
If Golesh is to guide Auburn to a seven-win season, this opening slate will be crucial. It's a chance to set the tone and leave the struggles of the past five years behind. Auburn faithful, there's reason to hope that brighter days are ahead.