Auburn’s Running Back Room Is Loaded - and Jeremiah Cobb Leads the Charge
Auburn football is turning the page - and turning it fast. With Alex Golesh now at the helm, the Tigers are undergoing a full-scale reboot, and that includes a ground game that’s looking quietly dangerous heading into 2026.
After five straight losing seasons under Bryan Harsin and Hugh Freeze, there’s a renewed sense of urgency on the Plains. Golesh and his staff wasted no time reshaping the roster, bringing in a wave of new talent - including several familiar faces from his days at USF.
While much of the spotlight will be on Golesh’s offensive system and his quarterback situation, don’t sleep on the backfield. Auburn’s running backs are deep, versatile, and headlined by a senior who’s ready to take the next step.
The Bell Cow Is Back: Jeremiah Cobb
Let’s start with the guy who’s earned the top spot - Jeremiah Cobb. After stepping into the starting role last season following Damari Alston’s early injury, Cobb didn’t flinch.
He carried the load with poise and production, racking up 969 yards and five touchdowns on 175 carries. That’s not just solid work - that’s the kind of consistency that builds trust in a new coaching regime.
Now a senior, Cobb enters 2026 as the clear No. 1, and with a full offseason to mesh with Golesh’s system, the expectations are sky-high. He’s got the vision, the burst, and the toughness to be a 1,000-yard back - and with a retooled offensive line in front of him and more balance at quarterback, he’s set up to do just that.
A Deep, Dynamic Supporting Cast
Behind Cobb, Auburn’s backfield is as deep as it’s been in years - and it’s not just about depth, it’s about different skill sets that can be deployed situationally.
Nykahi Davenport is one of the more intriguing additions. He followed Golesh from USF, where he put up 612 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. He’s a strong, downhill runner who brings familiarity with the system and a physical presence that can wear down defenses late in games.
Then there’s Bryson Washington, a transfer from Baylor who brings a different kind of juice. Washington ran for 788 yards and six touchdowns last year, and he’s got the kind of speed that can flip the field in a hurry. He’ll be a weapon in space and could carve out a key role in passing situations or as a change-of-pace back.
Tae Meadows Jr., who arrives from Troy, is another proven producer. He tallied 695 yards and six scores last season and brings a veteran presence to the room. He’s a steady, reliable option who knows how to find creases and move the chains.
Don’t overlook Omar Mabson either. The hometown product from Auburn High flashed real potential in limited snaps as a freshman. He’s got the tools to grow into a contributor in this offense - maybe not right away, but down the line, he’s one to watch.
And rounding out the group is redshirt freshman Alvin Henderson, who’s still developing but has the raw traits that could make him a factor in the future.
What It All Means
Auburn’s running back room isn’t just deep - it’s versatile, experienced, and ready to thrive in Golesh’s up-tempo, spread-heavy system. Cobb is the engine, but there’s a full stable behind him that can keep the Tigers’ ground game humming no matter who’s in the backfield.
After years of inconsistency and underwhelming production, Auburn finally has the pieces to re-establish its identity in the run game - and that starts with a senior leader ready to carry the load and a group of hungry backs eager to make their mark.
If this unit stays healthy, don’t be surprised if Auburn’s backfield becomes one of the most productive in the SEC.