Alex Golesh has a big job in front of him as he tries to rebuild Auburn into an SEC and national title contender after half a decade of massive struggles. The 41-year-old coach was brought in thanks to his offensive mind, helping lead USF’s offense to third in the nation in total yards per game last season, while the Bulls put up 40.5 points per game, good for fifth in the nation.
While it might take some time for Golesh and his staff to get the Tigers back to where fans and the college football world are used to, one analyst thinks big things are in store for Auburn in his first year on the Plains.
CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello listed his early bold predictions for the 2026 college football season for each SEC team, and for Auburn, he has quite a whopper: the Tigers will win at least eight games in Golesh’s first year.
Auburn hasnn't won eight games since 2019
“Golesh brought along the best pieces from his USF team a year ago, including severely underrated quarterback Byrum Brown,” he wrote. “Expectations are low outside Auburn, but with a competent coach and an exciting offense led by a veteran quarterback surrounded by a cast of newcomers hungry to prove they belong, the Tigers will take advantage of a navigable schedule to win eight games for the first time since 2019.”
The arrival of Brown, who came with Golesh from USF, is exciting, along with some top wide receivers, including Keshaun Singleton, who led the Bulls in receiving last season. Add in D.J. Durkin’s return as defensive coordinator, and the talent the Tigers returned and added on that side of the ball, and Auburn could see massive improvement in its record.
But Marcello didn’t waste a chance to take a shot at the past two Auburn coaches, Bryan Harsin and Hugh Freeze, when predicting Golesh’s success.
“Finally, Auburn has a coach who isn't defiantly arrogant, out of place or checked out on the golf course,” he wrote.
Let’s hope Golesh lives up to the billing.
Add us as a preferred source on Google