Auburn fans will need a roster for the first few games of the 2026 football season, as massive turnover has come with a brand-new coaching staff on the Plains.
Alex Golesh has brought in a new crop of players who are looking to restore pride to the Auburn football program after a disappointing five losing seasons under Bryan Harsin and Hugh Freeze. While the Tigers have lost some major talent, Golesh and his staff have helped restock that with some critical signees, including many from his former team, USF.
With Auburn likely done in the transfer portal, here’s a quick look at how both sides of the ball stand with a depth chart for each position. Today, we look at Auburn’s running backs.
Jeremiah Cobb returns after becoming the workhorse in 2025
Running backs
Starter: Jeremiah Cobb (Sr.)
Backups: Nykahi Davenport (So.), Bryson Washington (Jr.), Tae Meadows Jr. (Sr.), Omar Mabson (So.), Alvin Henderson (Redshirt Fr.)
After Damari Alston suffered a shoulder injury in the season-opening win against Baylor last season, Cobb wasted no time taking his spot as the top option at running back, finishing the year with 969 yards and five touchdowns on 175 rushes. With a year under his belt as the go-to guy and a revamped offensive line (not to mention a dangerous threat at quarterback), Cobb should be even better, and it would be shocking not to see him reach 1,000 yards in his senior season.
If Cobb needs some rest, there are plenty of options behind him, including Davenport, who comes over from USF after rushing for 612 yards and seven touchdowns for the Bulls in 2025. Washington, who transferred from Baylor, is also a threat, going for 788 yards and six scores last season, while Tae Meados arrives from Troy, where he recorded 695 rushing yards and six touchdowns last season.
Don’t forget about Mabson, the local product from Auburn HS. In limited playing time last season as a freshman, he showed some flashes of being a productive SEC back.