USF transfer Byrum Brown has been the center of attention in recent weeks. Former Baylor wide receiver J.D. PicKell, now a sports analyst with On3, bragged about Auburn’s new quarterback during his podcast on Sunday.
“He’s going into his fourth year in the system, had ridiculous numbers last year, is part of an elite list of quarterbacks,” said PicKell. “And I don’t think physically there will be any limitations for Byrum Brown as he goes to the SEC.”
Brown excelled as a dual-threat quarterback at USF, and national media outlets are projecting that the veteran signal-caller has an outside shot at winning the Heisman Trophy.
Byrum Brown Has Proven Experience
PicKell remarked that Brown is one of a few renowned signal-callers, such as Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, and Johnny Manziel, to total over 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. “I don’t care if it was at USF, if it was at Cornell, if it was at Auburn,” said PicKell. "Doing that over the course of a college football season is super impressive.”
Brown led the country in total offense last year. Averaging 7.0 yards across 159 designed carries, SEC defenses will struggle to manage the quarterback’s dual-threat capabilities. Brown showcased his skillset against a Power Four opponent when he led USF to a win over the Florida Gators in Week 2.
“Against Florida, [Brown] threw for two hundred sixty-three [yards] and ran for sixty-six [yards],” noted PicKell, recounting the Bulls’ 18–16 victory. Brown will have the chance to face Florida again in 2026 as Auburn hosts the Gators in Week 3.
PicKell on Brown’s Physicality
It’s easy to make Cam Newton comparisons when assessing Brown’s stature and dual-threat capabilities. PicKell doesn’t foresee Brown having issues excelling in his new conference.
“6’3, 230lbs is good anywhere,” said the former Baylor receiver. “It’s good in the American conference, it’s good in the SEC, it’s good on Mars. If you’re 6’3, 230lbs, and able to jump over human beings and have a ridiculous arm talent when it comes to how far you can throw that thing, I feel okay about you translating to the SEC.”
With Auburn’s offense taking shape and spring practices around the corner, Brown’s potency will soon be on full display. Auburn’s season opener against PicKell’s alma mater is still six months away—a rematch that the Tigers won in 2025. Until then, Alex Golesh and his new-and-improved coaching staff will work to guide Auburn to a redemptive 2026.