If you’re an Auburn fan still getting used to the idea of Alex Golesh at the helm, here’s a reality check: the Tigers are entering the 2026 season looking more like “USF North” than the Auburn of old-and that might not be such a bad thing.
Let’s start with the basics. Since 2022, South Florida has actually won more games than Auburn-three more, in fact.
And that’s with a one-win season baked into their record. That stat alone should tell you something about the trajectory of both programs in the NIL and revenue-sharing era.
While Auburn has been spinning its wheels trying to find footing in a new college football landscape, USF has quietly built a more consistent program under Golesh-and now that foundation is making its way to the Plains.
The Byrum Brown Effect
One of the biggest reasons for optimism? Quarterback Byrum Brown.
The USF transfer brings a dynamic presence under center, and he's expected to pair with returning running back Jeremiah Cobb to form one of the more intriguing backfields in the SEC. Brown's dual-threat ability and familiarity with Golesh’s system could bring a level of cohesion Auburn’s offense hasn’t seen in years.
But here’s where things get complicated: the Tigers have to replace their entire offensive line. That’s not a small ask in the SEC, where trench play can make or break a season.
On top of that, they’ll need to find a way to replicate the game-breaking ability of Cam Coleman, who’s no longer in the picture. That responsibility could fall on a trio of wide receiver transfers from-where else-USF: Keshaun Singleton, Jeremiah Koger, and Chas Nimrod, along with Christian Neptune.
There’s talent in that group, no doubt. But can they collectively fill the void left by Coleman? That’s one of the biggest question marks heading into spring ball.
SEC Power Rankings: A Reality Check
Auburn landed at No. 12 in one analyst’s early SEC power rankings, ahead of only Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Mississippi State. That’s not exactly where you want to be if you're a program with Auburn's history and expectations.
But again, context matters. This is a team in transition, trying to find its identity under a new head coach who’s bringing in a very specific system-and a lot of his own guys to run it.
Golesh vs. Freeze and Harsin: A New Era
Now, let’s talk about the coaching lineage. Yes, both Bryan Harsin and Hugh Freeze arrived at Auburn with solid résumés.
Harsin had success at Boise State, and Freeze had his moments in 2021 and parts of 2022. But the game has changed.
NIL, the transfer portal, and revenue-sharing have reshaped the playing field, and Golesh has already proven he can navigate this new terrain.
He didn’t just build a competitive team at USF-he built a contender. The Bulls were in the College Football Playoff conversation deep into November last season before a narrow 41-38 loss to Navy derailed their hopes.
That was their second loss in three weeks, with the other coming against Memphis. A loss to Miami?
Understandable. But Navy and Memphis in quick succession?
That stung.
Still, the fact that USF was even in that conversation says a lot about what Golesh accomplished. He built a roster that could go into the Swamp and outplay Florida-despite having nowhere near the same financial resources.
That’s not just coaching. That’s vision, execution, and buy-in.
Let’s not forget Golesh also has SEC experience. He was the architect behind Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense at Tennessee, helping turn the Volunteers into one of the most explosive teams in the country during his time there.
He knows the league. He knows the pressure.
And now, he’s bringing that blueprint to Auburn.
Why Auburn Fans Should Be Hopeful
This isn’t the Auburn you remember from the Cam Newton days or even the Gus Malzahn era. But it doesn’t have to be.
The sport has changed, and Auburn is trying to evolve with it. Golesh has shown he can compete in this new world, and he’s bringing a system-and a roster-that’s already proven it can win games.
So yes, Auburn might look a little more like “USF North” in 2026. But if that means a more cohesive offense, a quarterback who fits the system, and a head coach who knows how to build in the NIL era? That’s a trade most programs would take in a heartbeat.
There’s a long road ahead, and plenty of questions still to answer. But for the first time in a while, Auburn fans have a reason to believe their program isn’t just reacting to the changes in college football-it’s starting to get ahead of them.