New Auburn Tigers offensive coordinator Joel Gordon addressed the media alongside new head coach Alex Golesh and defensive coordinator DJ Durkin on Wednesday, and he had a blunt statement to describe the identity of his offense.
"Our identity is going to be to line up and be able to run the football," Gordon said. "That’s where everything starts, so getting those guys in, learning the system, getting them out there on the field in February, spring, summer, fall camp before the season. This offense is a lot different from what most of them are coming from."
Of course, the Tigers return star running back Jeremiah Cobb, but several additions were also made through the NCAA Transfer Portal, including former Baylor star Bryson Washington. He spent the last three seasons with the Bears and rushed for 778 yards last season.
With the plan to lean heavily on the run game in the 2026, it was important for Gordon and the staff to bring in another high-caliber running back to support Cobb.
"“It all starts with Jeremiah Cobb," Gordon said. "He was here. He’s played here, and he was really productive a year ago. Behind him there's not a ton of experience and proven production, so you have to have depth with that position regardless what offense you play in. The way that we play with the tempo, there has to be guys that are ready to be fresh at all times. That’s where our offense starts by running the rock and being physical, and those guys are inherently going to get banged up and nicked up as the year goes on, and you have to have guys that are ready to go in there and play. Just building some support around Jeremiah will be huge moving forward."