First-year Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh and offensive coordinator Joel Gordon brought over five receivers from the USF Bulls this offseason: Jeremiah Koger, Keshaun Singleton, Chas Nimrod, Christian Neptune, and Kory Pettigrew.
Koger doesn't believe the group is getting a fair shake from the media, who has labeled them "Group of 5" receivers. The Baltimore native broke his silence on the disrespect this past week at Auburn's spring practice.
“The media is trying to portray like we’re some Group of Five guys,” Koger said. “We came here to compete ... I just go out there and compete, like I would at any level."
Koger did acknowledge differences between the American, where he's played a full season, and the SEC, which he's experienced against the Florida Gators in the "Swamp" last September, but ultimately said every league is the same.
“The corners are bigger, faster, stronger. The d-linemen are bigger, faster. On a screen, you’ve gotta get up out of there. You’ve got to work your technique a bit more, for sure," Koger prefaced before saying, “I feel like every league is the same. We’re all from different places but we all grew up the same way. I don’t think it’s really a different level, but how bad you want it and go get it at each level.”
Attitude will define Auburn's success in 2026
Talent alone doesn't win football games. The 2025 season proved that clearly, with strong Hugh Freeze teams, on paper, folding against supposedly less-talented Kentucky Wildcats and Missouri Tigers teams.
Golesh is bringing players with plenty to prove, since USF fell off once it was clear Golesh was leaving Tampa last October and November. Byrum Brown has to prove that his throwing motion isn't some sort of fatal flaw to a wider audience and replicate the level of playmaking he brought to the Bulls in 2025. His receivers are clearly motivated to prove themselves.
If the attitude in the locker room is better than it's been for the last half-decade, the Jordan-Hare Stadium voodoo that has seemingly lost its luster in recent seasons can return in full force, and Auburn can once again be something other than a national punchline.