Auburn Tigers Depth Chart: Post-A-Day Projections in Alex Golesh's Up-Tempo Era

As the Auburn Tigers navigate Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026, the blueprint for first-year head coach Alex Golesh's program is taking shape. Following an illuminating A-Day spring game on April 18—where the offense defeated the defense 66-43 under a modified scoring system—SEC Saturday Wire dives into Depth Chart Thursday to project the Tigers' critical position battles and starters.

Quarterback: Brown's Show to Run

The keys to Golesh's signature up-tempo offense have been officially handed to transfer Byrum Brown. Tasked with jumpstarting the passing attack, Brown enters the summer as the unquestioned starter. Offensive coordinator Joel Gordon will be working closely with Brown to integrate the influx of offensive transfers. However, the backup role remains fiercely contested. Following intriguing A-Day performances, transfers Tristan Ti'a and Locklan Hewlett are locked in a tight battle for the primary backup spot behind Brown, with Rhys Brush providing additional depth.

Offensive Playmakers & Trenches

With an exodus of talent to both the portal (including Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson) and the NFL (such as offensive linemen Connor Lew, Dillon Wade, and Mason Murphy), the offense requires new faces to step up. Returning starter Jeremiah Cobb is expected to be a focal point in the backfield. Meanwhile, incoming transfers like Chas Nimrod, Keshaun Singleton, and Jack Leyrer will be heavily relied upon to fill out the two-deep depth chart and execute Golesh's fast-paced scheme.

Defensive Trenches & Secondary

Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin faces the vital task of rebuilding a pass rush depleted by the NFL departures of standout edge rushers Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford, alongside defensive linemen Jeremiah Wright and Bobby Jamison-Travis. The Tigers will lean heavily on a strong core of returning defensive starters to anchor the unit. Linebackers Elijah Melendez and Demarcus Riddick, alongside Xavier Atkins, are projected to command the middle of the field. In the secondary and on the edges, Jared Smith and Anquon Fegans return as foundational pieces for Durkin's defensive strategy.

As Auburn seeks to turn the page from their 27-20 loss to Alabama that closed out the 2025 campaign, establishing this post-spring depth chart is priority number one for Golesh and his rebuilt staff.