Auburn may still have some flexibility to add help before the season kicks off, and head coach Alex Golesh isn’t shutting the door on it.
The conversation picked up after Colorado U.S. District judge Charlotte Sweeney issued a ruling that granted an extra year of eligibility to all Class of 2022 athletes whose college eligibility expired this spring. On paper, that opened the possibility of a late-summer roster shakeup with college football less than a month from game time.
But the ruling didn’t come without limits. Sweeney also clarified that players won’t be able to transfer freely or push past roster and revenue share caps. The NCAA has appealed the decision as well, leaving the whole situation in a holding pattern.
Golesh said Tuesday that Auburn still has “a little bit of room” on its roster, and he made it clear the Tigers are at least willing to explore the idea if the right player becomes available.
“We’re working through a little bit of it,” Golesh said. “If it’s the right fit, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to it.”
Even so, the timing is messy. Players reported to preseason camp on Tuesday, and Golesh admitted it was “kind of a crazy time to just add somebody,” which means Auburn isn’t likely to make a move for the sake of making one. Still, if an impact player at a position of need suddenly becomes realistic, the Tigers wouldn’t be expected to slam the brakes.
Auburn opens preseason practice on Wednesday, and the Baylor season opener is just over a month away.
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Auburns First Camp Practice Put One Early Depth Chart Battle In Focus
Auburn officially opened preseason camp with its first practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center, and the early focus was less on scheme than on who was actually available and what the roster looks like at the margins. Several players were either missing or working under restrictions as the Tigers began the ramp-up to the season, while Sylvester Smith-Reed and Christian Neptune were among those in non-contact jerseys as the staff got its first extended look at the group.
The opening day also gave coaches a chance to point out some names they expect to keep pushing into the conversation, with Omar Mabson II and Jared Smith among the players singled out as possible breakout candidates. Elijah Melendez was another player mentioned for his physical progress, and with the first practice now in the books, Auburn already has at least one early depth chart battle beginning to take shape. [Read more 🡒]
Auburns Rebuilt Receiver Room Is Already Creating One Early Camp Buzz
Auburns first fall camp practice offered an early glimpse of how much the receiver room has changed, and the position group wasted little time drawing attention. Media watched the first 25 minutes of the session, where offensive coordinator Joel Gordons summer praise for Chas Nimrod looked timely as Kodi Burns put the wideouts through their work. Nimrod, along with Keshaun Singleton and Erik Smith, were among the more noticeable names during the opening workout as the Tigers started sorting out targets in a rebuilt room.
The bigger question now is how quickly that group can turn early camp flashes into dependable production once the pace picks up and the depth chart starts to harden. Auburn has clearly identified a few receivers who have already made a first impression, but the first day of camp is only a snapshot, and the coming practices will show whether those names keep separating themselves as the competition tightens. [Read more 🡒]
Auburns First Practice Put One Early Tigers Decision In Focus
Auburn opened preseason practice Aug. 5 at the Woltosz Football Performance Center with the countdown to Baylor already in motion, and the first day offered an early look at where a few key pieces stand. Safety An'Quon Fegans was among the players taking part, while cornerback Shamar Arnoux remained in rehabilitation, giving the Tigers an immediate snapshot of both the healthy depth and the spots still being managed as camp gets underway.
Edge rusher Da'Shawn Womack also was out there for practice, a notable development after his June arrest and one that put an early focus on how Auburn intends to handle the situation moving forward. The football side of camp is just beginning, but this was the kind of off-field issue that can quickly shape the tone of August if the program does not settle it cleanly. [Read more 🡒]