Overview
- Auburn declined an APR-enabled bowl opportunity, with Alex Golesh estimating about 75% of the roster was off campus and calling the timing not practical.
- The program announced five initial hires: DJ Durkin retained as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, Joel Gordon as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Tyler Hudanick as offensive line coach, Brad Wilson as a defensive assistant, and Andrew Warsaw as general manager.
- Golesh said he is prioritizing elite additions across on-field and support roles while continuing to fill remaining staff positions.
- Auburn signed 18 recruits during the early signing period, moving into the low-40s of 247Sports’ 2026 class rankings after a rapid three-day push.
- Golesh has held extensive one-on-one meetings to re-recruit the roster as several players signal portal intentions, including WR Perry Thompson publicly and QB Jackson Arnold per reports, with the transfer window running Jan. 2–16.