Alex Golesh takes over as Auburn’s head coach after a 5-7 overall and 1-7 SEC campaign in 2025. Joel Gordon joins as offensive coordinator after serving in the same role at South Florida, while South Florida transfer Byrum Brown joins at quarterback. Jeremiah Cobb returns at running back, while Baylor transfer Bryson Washington joins the backfield. Auburn must replace its top six receivers from last season. South Florida transfers Chas Nimrod, Keshaun Singleton, Christian Neptune, and Jonathan Echols join the receiving corps, while North Carolina transfer Jake Johnson and Florida transfer Arlis Boardingham join the tight end group. The offensive line features several new starters in 2026, including experienced center Cole Best and Michigan State transfer Stanton Ramil at right tackle.

D.J. Durkin returns for his third season as defensive coordinator. Auburn returns five of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including two of its top three. Xavier Atkins and Elijah Melendez return at linebacker, while Kaleb Harris, Eric Winters, and Sylvester Smith return in the secondary. Ole Miss transfer Da’Shawn Womack joins the defensive front.

Jacob Bronowski takes over as special teams coordinator after previously coaching at Pitt. Alex McPherson returns at placekicker after missing time last season while dealing with ulcerative colitis. Hudson Kaak returns at punter, and Rayshawn Pleasant returns with experience on kickoff returns. Auburn enters 2026 with a new head coach and offensive coordinator, considerable offensive turnover, and five of its top eleven tacklers back on defense.