Auburn football is not what it was just one year ago. And that could be a good thing on multiple fronts.
The Tigers were projected to be a seven or eight-win team in 2021 but fell far short of expectations in the worst way possible: losing their last five games, including their bowl game against Group of Five opponent Houston in the Birmingham Bowl.
This year, the Tigers have far lower expectations — setting up a classic surprise Auburn football run to the top of the SEC standings. If that were to happen, improved off-field culture post-Bryan Harsin would be the impetus for it.
Auburn Rivals’ Bryan Matthews gave a strong endorsement for what Harsin and a revamped coaching staff have established in 2022:
"“I’ve seen a lot of spring and summer recruiting periods — of course, it’s changed with the early signing period and June officials — but this group has done as well as any I’ve witnessed in getting players to Auburn — a campus and town that literally sells itself. With every fist bump, hello, chat or longer discussion you have with a coach or player, you sense that Harsin’s focus on culture is having an impact. I’m as sure as I’ve been in my 21 years covering this team that the majority of coaches and players are on the same page and pulling together.”"
Of course, as we often do around these parts, Matthews spoke to on-field success being the greatest recruiting tool:
"“The full results — on the field and off — will be in by then and that’s what will matter most. But as it stands now, as a four-week dead period begins, Auburn has positioned itself for a degree of success. And it’s come from the past several months of work the entire group of coaches, staff and players have put in. They deserve praise and support for their work.”"
Auburn football has a big July ahead
Before summer camp kicks into high gear in August–when the QB competition will be settled once and for all–the Tigers have a couple of potential recruiting announcements to look forward to in the month of July.
None is bigger than a Class of 2023 4-star Lone Star DL that also profiles as a Texas A&M de-commit. Wylie East High School’s six-foot-five, 245-lb senior-to-be, Anthony James could ditch Jimbo Fisher to join the ‘Harsinal’ on the Plains.
Assuming Harsin’s off-field culture gains lead to more won games.