Auburn’s offense is getting a full reboot in 2026 - and that might be exactly what the Tigers need.
After a rocky 2025 season that ended with a 10-3 loss to Kentucky and the dismissal of Hugh Freeze, Auburn hit the reset button. In comes head coach Alex Golesh, and with him, a wave of new faces - including a trio of key transfers from USF who are expected to play pivotal roles in reshaping the Tigers’ offensive identity.
Let’s break down the three former Bulls who could be the backbone of this new-look Auburn attack.
1. Byrum Brown - Quarterback
When you lose every quarterback on your roster, you don’t just need a replacement - you need a leader. Golesh didn’t have to look far to find his guy in Byrum Brown, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback who thrived in his system at USF.
Brown put up video game numbers last season: 3,158 passing yards, 28 touchdowns through the air, plus 1,008 yards and 14 scores on the ground. That kind of production doesn’t just happen - it comes from a quarterback who understands the scheme inside and out, and that’s exactly what Brown brings to the table.
The chemistry is already there. Brown knows Golesh’s system, he’s worked with offensive coordinator Joel Gordon, and he’ll be throwing to familiar targets from his USF days. That continuity could be the key to Auburn hitting the ground running in Year 1 of the Golesh era.
2. Keshaun Singleton - Wide Receiver
Auburn’s receiving corps was gutted in the offseason, with the departures of Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton Jr., and Malcolm Simmons leaving a massive hole. But Singleton - Keshaun, that is - steps in as a proven playmaker.
He led USF with 50 receptions for 877 yards and eight touchdowns last year, and he’s not coming to Auburn to be a depth piece. He’s coming to be the guy. With Jeremiah Koger, Chas Nimrod, and Christian Neptune also making the move from USF, Singleton won’t be alone - but he’s the headliner of that group.
Expect Singleton to be Brown’s go-to target early and often, especially with their pre-existing rapport. He’s a smooth route-runner with big-play ability, and he gives Auburn a much-needed weapon on the perimeter.
3. Nykahi Davenport - Running Back
While Brown was lighting up defenses through the air and on the ground, Nykahi Davenport was quietly doing the dirty work alongside him in the Bulls’ backfield. Now, the sophomore from Roswell, Georgia, is set to bring that same physicality and versatility to Auburn.
Davenport rushed for 612 yards and seven touchdowns last season, often serving as the thunder to Brown’s lightning. At Auburn, he’ll pair with Jeremiah Cobb to form what could be one of the more underrated backfield duos in the SEC.
Davenport’s style complements Cobb’s well - he’s a tough, downhill runner who can wear down defenses and keep the chains moving. And in Golesh’s up-tempo, spread-heavy offense, having two capable backs who can keep the pressure on is a luxury.
The Bottom Line
Auburn’s offense needed a fresh start, and Golesh wasted no time bringing in players who know his system and can execute it at a high level. Brown, Singleton, and Davenport aren’t just transfers - they’re foundational pieces for what Golesh is trying to build on the Plains.
There will be growing pains, sure. But with this trio leading the charge, Auburn fans have plenty of reason to believe that 2026 won’t just be a rebuilding year - it could be the start of something special.