Auburn opened the weekend by putting its past and present in the same place, and the result was a heavy dose of tradition for a program trying to reset its culture before the season opener.
More than 200 former Tigers from the 1950s through the 2020s came back to campus for Alumni Day, spending time around the facilities, sharing lunch and taking in an open practice. Former teammates reconnected, and players from different eras got the chance to meet Tigers who came before and after them.
Director of high school and alumni relations Jeris McIntyre, who played wide receiver at Auburn for three years, said the goal was simple: get former players back around the program and keep them connected to what they helped build.
“Auburn was built on the tradition of elite football players with toughness and we’re trying to get as many back around as much as possible,” McIntyre said. “Just like our sellouts in Jordan-Hare, Auburn is the best football in the world to me. Seeing my old roommates, guys who played before and after me, it’s a blessing to have them here for this.”
He also posted separately on X, saying, “[There’s] close to 300 former players here, just trying to show them love and come back and support what they helped build.”
The event was something of a new push for Auburn, one head coach Alex Golesh and McIntyre brought in as part of an effort to rebuild the program’s culture as the Tigers enter a new era. Golesh brought McIntyre with him after he was hired last December, looking to strengthen the connection with former players.
By all accounts, the day landed. Former center Cole Cubelic said he thanked Golesh and noted he had never seen so many Auburn greats in one place at the same time.
Former running back Corey Grant, who played from 2013 to 2014, said the presence of alumni mattered when he was a player and still matters now.
“It’s a great experience. It means a lot to you as a player,” Grant said. “When I was here, when guys did come back, it meant a lot to you, being on the practice field, seeing them on the sideline watching, and trying to carry on that torch for them.”
Former defensive lineman Reggie Torbor, who played from 2000 to 2003, called the scene meaningful and said the shared bond among Auburn players stood out to him.
“It puts a smile on my face. There is something special here, the connection all these guys have,” Torbor said. “I like the foundation that’s being set, the hard work, and the things that I know ultimately are how you win.”
Liston Eddins, another former defensive lineman, said the turnout reflected well on the program and on Golesh.
“It says great things about Auburn and the Auburn spirit,” Eddins said. “It’s a very positive thing for Auburn, for coach Golesh especially.
I think there’s something special in this guy, his determination and details. He understands what this is all about and that’s why I think so many former players turned out today.”
The praise for McIntyre also spilled onto social media, where Auburn greats thanked him for organizing the gathering.
After practice, associate head coach Kodi Burns made it clear the event is here to stay under Golesh.
“Everyone here helped build this place. I ask everybody to come back as much as possible and help our young men grow and know what it means to be an Auburn man.”
Golesh echoed that message, saying, “We’re going to take what you guys have built, stand on your shoulders and build this thing back to where it belongs.”
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