When Alex Golesh took the reins at Auburn, the timing couldn’t have been trickier. He stepped into the job just days before the Early Signing Period - a time when most programs are locking in their recruiting classes, not scrambling to assemble a coaching staff and salvage commitments. But that’s exactly what Golesh had to do, inheriting a roster and recruiting board shaped by the previous regime under Hugh Freeze.
Despite the chaos, Golesh managed to keep some key pieces in place - and even made a few savvy additions along the way. Auburn held onto three ranked linebacker commits: Jaquez Wilkes, Shadarius Toodle, and Adam Balogoun-Ali.
That trio gives the Tigers a strong foundation at a position that’s been a cornerstone of SEC defenses for decades. Wilkes brings sideline-to-sideline range, Toodle plays with a downhill edge, and Balogoun-Ali has the kind of frame and athleticism that could blossom into an all-conference talent with proper development.
Golesh didn’t stop there. He also reeled in a pair of defensive tackles who had previously committed elsewhere - Tavian Branch, who had been pledged to Penn State, and Corey Wells, a former Texas commit. Flipping players from two blue-blood programs speaks volumes about Golesh’s ability to connect with recruits and sell his vision for Auburn, even in a compressed timeline.
But the real fireworks came after the Early Signing Period. That’s when Auburn took advantage of the coaching shakeup at Michigan, flipping two high-upside offensive prospects: offensive lineman Bear McWhorter and wide receiver Brady Marchese.
McWhorter brings versatility and toughness to the offensive front, while Marchese is a burner - a legit big-play threat who’s been clocked at over 22 mph in live games. That kind of speed doesn’t just stretch defenses - it stresses them.
Still, when you look at the full picture, Golesh’s approach to building this roster has leaned heavily on the transfer portal. Auburn has brought in 26 transfers, and this wasn’t just about filling depth.
This was about bringing in guys who can play - now. Chief among them: quarterback Byrum Brown and wide receiver Keshaun Singleton, two of Golesh’s former stars at USF.
Both are expected to be day-one starters, and both already know Golesh’s system inside and out. That’s a massive advantage as the Tigers transition into a new era.
In fact, 14 of those 26 portal additions are former USF players. That’s not a coincidence - it’s a calculated move.
Golesh and his staff clearly prioritized familiarity and fit, targeting players who already understand the culture and scheme they’re trying to implement. Alongside Singleton, Auburn also added wide receiver Jeremiah Koger and running back Nykahi Davenport, two more ex-Bulls who bring production and chemistry to the table.
All told, ESPN’s Craig Haubert ranked Golesh seventh among the 10 new head coaches this cycle - a fair assessment given that Auburn currently sits at No. 34 in the 2026 recruiting rankings. But rankings only tell part of the story.
What Golesh has done in a matter of weeks is lay the groundwork for a team that can compete sooner rather than later. He’s blended high-upside high school talent with experienced, system-ready transfers - a modern roster-building strategy that’s becoming more common in today’s college football landscape.
It’s early, and there’s still plenty to prove on the field. But if Golesh’s first few moves are any indication, Auburn might be turning the corner faster than expected.