For Auburn, it’s been some time since it found its name in the top 25, the last being following a 3-0 start to the season in 2025. It’s been even longer since the Tigers were a regular presence in the polls.
Alex Golesh is trying to change in his first year as the Tigers’ head coach, taking over a program that has gone through five straight losing seasons and two head coaches since Gus Malzahn was in charge. And, with a schedule that begins with a de facto home game in Atlanta and three in Jordan-Hare Stadium, it might not take long for the 41-year-old coach to get the Tigers back to the top 25, especially if you pay attention to CBS Sports’ power rankings following spring practice.
CBS Sports has Auburn at No. 36 in its power rankings following spring practice
In a ranking of all 138 FBS teams, Auburn comes in relatively high at No. 36, especially when you consider the struggles the Tigers have had as of late. But people are optimistic that Golesh can turn it around quickly, especially after adding quarterback Byrum Brown, whom he coached for three seasons at USF, along with a plethora of former Bulls at wide receiver with whom Brown has familiarity and comfort.
But those additions aren’t the only reason to be high on the Tigers breaking the streak of five straight losing seasons. D.J. Durkin was kept on as defensive coordinator after putting out a unit that finished 29th in college football in total defense, allowing just 329.2 yards per game. Leading tackler and All-SEC performer Xavier Atkins returns at linebacker, and the secondary is loaded with veteran pieces.
If Auburn were to start out 4-0 with wins over Baylor, Southern Miss, Florida and Vanderbilt, momentum could start building on the Plains and turn into a special season for Golesh and the Tigers in the coach’s first season.
That’s precisely what Auburn fans are hoping for.
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