Auburn Tigers are gearing up for the 2026 SEC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Bryan-College Station, and the excitement is palpable. Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Leroy Burrell, the team is ready to take on some of the nation’s elite at the R.A.
"Murray" Fasken '38 Indoor Track & Field Facility, starting this Thursday at 5 p.m. CT.
The Auburn men’s team, ranked 20th, and the women’s team, ranked 32nd, are set to face fierce competition. The men will challenge 11 nationally ranked SEC teams, six of which are in the top 10, while the women will compete against nine teams in the top 25. Coach Burrell sees this as both a stepping stone and a test of mettle, emphasizing the importance of qualifying amidst high-quality competition.
Auburn is sending a robust squad of 20 men and 18 women, with many athletes having prior experience at the conference indoor meet. This includes seven men and six women who have previously scored at SEC indoors. Ja’Kobe Tharp, the defending champion in the 60m hurdles, is among those to watch.
Last year, the Tigers made a strong showing with seven podium finishes and two gold medals, thanks to standout performances by Tharp and Makanakaishe Charamba in the men’s 200m. The team also set four school records and two freshman records, with Israel Okon making a splash in the men’s 60m.
The sprints are a highlight for Auburn this season. Senior Kayinsola Ajayi boasts the nation’s fifth-fastest time in the 60m and is a former SEC champion in the event. Okon ranks 10th nationally in the 60m and 12th in the 200m, making the 60 meters a must-watch event.
Burrell is particularly excited about the 60m hurdles, anticipating a thrilling contest between Tharp and competitors from Arkansas, Texas, and Florida. Tharp, a Bowerman Award finalist, leads the NCAA in the 60m hurdles and is poised to defend his SEC title.
On the women’s side, senior Danae Nembhard holds the second-fastest 60m hurdles time in Auburn history and ranks 10th nationally. Senior Reese Webster has been a consistent podium presence in the 60m, while senior Megan Hague is setting records in the shot put, currently leading the SEC.
In the pole vault, senior Alyssa Quinones-Mixon is aiming to qualify for nationals, holding some of the best marks in Auburn history. Throughout the season, Auburn has set four new school records, including Nickson Chebbi’s men’s 5000m record and Camila Gomes’ women’s mile record.
Reflecting on past performances, the Auburn men secured sixth place at the 2025 SEC Indoor Championships, while the women finished eighth. As the Tigers head into this year’s competition, they’re ready to make their mark and possibly rewrite some records along the way.