Depth Chart Thursday: Projected Starters for Auburn's New Era

With the April 18 spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in the rearview mirror, head coach Alex Golesh and his staff are diligently evaluating the Auburn Tigers' roster. As we navigate the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 season, today's Depth Chart Thursday breaks down the projected starters and ongoing position battles following a massive offseason overhaul that saw 39 newcomers arrive.

Quarterback: Brown Takes Charge

There is no controversy at the top of the depth chart: transfer Byrum Brown is the undisputed QB1. Brown brings massive dual-threat production to the Plains and is the ideal trigger-man for Golesh's fast-paced scheme, overseen by offensive coordinator Joel Gordon. However, the battle for the backup spot remains fiercely competitive. Transfers Tristan Ti'a and Locklan Hewlett are battling alongside Rhys Brush to secure the critical second-string role.

Offensive Weapons: Reloading the Arsenal

Auburn's offense saw significant turnover, losing dynamic young talents like Cam Coleman, Deuce Knight, Eric Singleton Jr., Damari Alston, and Perry Thompson to the transfer portal. Providing crucial stability, returning starter Jeremiah Cobb is expected to be the focal point of the backfield. On the perimeter, incoming transfers Chas Nimrod and Keshaun Singleton, along with tight end Jonathan Echols, are projected to step immediately into starting roles or heavy rotation to give Brown reliable targets.

Defense: Rebuilding the Pass Rush

Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin faces a formidable task in replacing the production of edge rushers Keldric Faulk, a first-round NFL Draft pick, and Keyron Crawford. The trenches also lost Connor Lew, Jeremiah Wright, and Bobby Jamison-Travis to the professional ranks. To anchor the new-look defensive front, the Tigers will rely heavily on transfer Da'Shawn Womack, who is projected to start and bring immediate impact to a defense eager to put last November's narrow Iron Bowl loss behind them.

As the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 period continues, Golesh's depth chart will undoubtedly see more tweaking, but the foundation of Auburn's new era is officially taking shape.