Jeremiah Cobb might not be the loudest voice in the Auburn locker room, but his presence is certainly felt. The senior running back, known for his quiet demeanor, has been following in the footsteps of former star Jarquez Hunter. If Cobb can emulate Hunter's on-field success, Auburn's offense will be in prime shape for 2026.
Cobb's contributions extend beyond his role as a ball carrier. Auburn head coach Alex Golesh is keen on seeing him step up as a leader.
"I’ve challenged him so many times," Golesh shared. "He’s not super comfortable, but the guys respect him and he’s got credibility.
It’s a work in progress."
Cobb's credibility is well-earned. Last season, he nearly hit the 1,000-yard mark as Auburn’s primary running back after Damari Alston's departure. His performance was often a bright spot for Auburn, making his retention crucial.
With many key players moving on, Cobb stands out as the most productive returning offensive player. In an offense focused on the ground game, his role is pivotal.
Embracing leadership hasn't been easy for Cobb, but he's making strides. "I don’t even like doing this, but y’all know that," Cobb admitted about being more vocal. "I’ve been trying and working on it."
The running back room's dynamics have aided Cobb's growth. It's a blend of familiar faces and new talent, including three transfers.
Among them, Bryson Washington from Baylor is a standout, having rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2024. Despite the new additions, Cobb remains the leader, and Golesh is pushing him to lead the entire team.
"The guys make it easy," Cobb said about his leadership role. "I think it’s been pretty good."
Golesh believes vocal leadership is essential. He remarked, “Leading by example isn’t actually leading.
You’re just doing what you’re supposed to be doing.” This philosophy underscores why he wants Cobb to be more vocal, as Cobb is expected to be central to Auburn's offensive success in 2026.
While quarterback Byrum Brown may be Auburn's top leader, Golesh envisions Cobb joining him at the forefront. With an offense designed to "run the piss out of the ball," having Cobb and Brown leading the charge makes perfect sense.