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The Auburn Express
The Auburn Express
Author: The War Rapport || Mike G • B Wil • Ike Jones • C-Dub
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Your #1 source for Auburn Sports content. The Auburn Express is your place to hear comprehensive commentary on Auburn Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Gymnastics. In the SEC, sports are king and The War Rapport delivers a unique sports commentary experience in spades. Show hosts, Ike Jones, Ceasear Walker, B Wil, and Mike G. chop it weekly about sports happenings around Auburn University and the SEC. Visit thewarrapport.com for more Auburn sports coverage and content.
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Will Byrum Brown have enough firepower at wide receiver to elevate Auburn Football in 2026? That’s the real conversation heading into this season.
This Auburn wide receiver preview breaks down the revamped WR room featuring Keyshawn Singleton, Chazz Nimrod, Bryce Cain, and Jeremiah Koger. There’s a strong USF connection here, and that familiarity with Byrum Brown matters. Timing. Trust. Chemistry. Those things don’t just magically appear in fall camp.
Singleton steps in as the proven production guy. Nearly 900 yards and 8 touchdowns last season. Koger brings size and upside after putting up close to 600 yards in limited action. Nimrod averaged over 20 yards per catch before injury slowed him down. Bryce Cain remains one of the most intriguing holdovers, a former top prospect who could thrive in a defined role.
Auburn lost around 1,700 receiving yards from last year’s roster, but the incoming production actually exceeds what left. That’s the key. The question isn’t talent. The question is execution in the SEC.
If this offense under Alex Golesh runs the ball the way it wants to, stacked boxes will create one-on-one opportunities outside. That’s when this wide receiver group has to win.
Three thousand passing yards is not unrealistic. It’s expected.
Drop your thoughts in the comments. Are these the four names leading Auburn’s WR room in 2026?
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Auburn basketball dropped another crucial SEC matchup, falling 84-76 to Vanderbilt — and now serious questions are starting to form about this team’s NCAA Tournament chances.
In this episode of Auburn Express, the full breakdown of what went wrong inside Neville Arena. Vanderbilt shot lights out early, building momentum that Auburn just could not fully overcome. Even though Auburn dominated the glass, won second-chance opportunities, and shot better from three, the defensive lapses in the first half proved costly. When a team leads for 38 out of 40 minutes, that tells the real story.
Stephen Pearl addressed defensive struggles in the postgame, echoing concerns voiced after the Alabama game. Defensive consistency continues to be an issue, and now Auburn finds itself in a tight spot with limited games left to strengthen its resume.
The conversation shifts toward what remains on the SEC schedule: Arkansas, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, LSU, and Alabama. With the Tigers sitting at 14 wins and just 4-9 in Quad 1 games, the margin for error is razor thin. Does Auburn need five wins? Six? Or is winning the SEC Tournament the only safe path?
Advanced metrics like NET still keep Auburn afloat, but opportunities are shrinking fast. A signature win may be required to lock things in. The stretch run is here, and every possession matters.
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Auburn takes their 2nd straight loss. This time, Vanderbilt gets the win in Neville.
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Steven Pearl addresses the media following the loss to Vanderbilt
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Auburn fans need to buckle up because this conversation cuts straight to the core of where Auburn football and Auburn basketball stand right now. The first game of the season against Baylor in Atlanta is not just another opener. It is a tone setter. If Auburn walks out of Mercedes Benz Stadium with a loss, the ripple effects carry straight into a brutal SEC stretch that includes Tennessee Georgia LSU and Ole Miss. Two and two out of September is not acceptable. Three and one is the baseline and that starts with beating Baylor again.
This episode breaks down why Auburn should expect to win that matchup based on talent gaps scheme familiarity and quarterback play. Auburn dominated Baylor last season in Waco and while rosters change the reality is Auburn still holds the edge. This is essentially a home game and it must be treated that way. Anything less is a failure to capitalize on opportunity.
The conversation then shifts to Auburn basketball and the reality of the bubble. Sitting at fourteen and nine with eight games left leaves very little margin for error. Nineteen wins might sneak Auburn in but twenty wins removes doubt. That means winning five or six games down the stretch and stealing at least one from a ranked opponent. Losing close games has been the story and that must change immediately starting with Vanderbilt.
This is not about hope or moral victories. It is about results. Auburn football needs momentum before SEC play and Auburn basketball needs wins before Selection Sunday. Everything is on the table and nothing is guaranteed.
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Auburn football fans have heard promises before, but this time feels different. There is a real shift happening behind the scenes and it starts with how the offense is being built, taught, and executed. This episode of the Auburn Express dives into why this process is not just another offseason talking point but a fundamental philosophical change that could finally stabilize Auburn’s offense.
For years Auburn struggled with fractured offensive leadership, disconnected play calling, and systems that never truly matched personnel. That disconnect showed up on Saturdays when execution fell apart and development stalled. What is being discussed here is a true collaborative offensive structure where one voice owns the game plan while still allowing input from trusted assistants. That matters more than fans realize.
There is also confidence coming from the top. Not manufactured confidence. Not coach speak. Real belief in the system itself. The idea of building an offense around what players do well instead of forcing players into rigid schemes is refreshing and overdue. It is common sense football, but Auburn has not consistently operated that way in years.
Fans are understandably cautious. Burned seasons create emotional scar tissue. But pretending not to be excited does not change expectations. Auburn has had enough talent to win more games recently, and systemic issues held that talent back. That is the core point.
This discussion also reflects on Auburn’s past, including the Gus Malzahn era and what was lost when consistency disappeared. Raising the floor matters. Process matters. Development matters.
If Auburn truly commits to this approach, the results could come faster than expected. Talent eventually catches up when the foundation is right. And for the first time in a while, Auburn feels like it is building something sustainable instead of chasing fixes.
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Auburn football fans need to lock in because this season has the potential to change the entire trajectory of the program. After breaking down the full Auburn Tigers schedule month by month, one thing becomes crystal clear. There is a real opportunity for Auburn to build momentum early, survive the toughest stretch of SEC play, and enter November with something truly meaningful on the line.
September is where the foundation gets set. Auburn opens with a neutral site matchup against Baylor in Atlanta, followed by Southern Miss, Florida, and Vanderbilt. This stretch is critical. With Auburn’s quarterback situation stabilized and a clear offensive identity forming under Alex Golesh, this team has a legitimate path to starting 4 and 0 and even 2 and 0 in SEC play. That alone changes the national perception immediately.
October is where Auburn’s season will be tested. Road trips to Tennessee and Georgia combined with matchups against Ole Miss and LSU make this one of the toughest four game stretches any team will face. The goal is simple. Find two wins. Ole Miss at home looks like the most realistic upset opportunity, especially with quarterback uncertainty across the league.
November is where things get interesting. Arkansas, Mississippi State, Samford, and then Alabama close the season. That slate is manageable. If Auburn survives October at 2 and 2, the Tigers could enter the Iron Bowl with playoff conversation energy. That has not been said in a long time.
This is not blind optimism. This is about opportunity, structure, preparation, and finally having a unified plan. Auburn fans have every reason to be excited about what is building on the Plains.
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Auburn football fans need to lock in because this offense is quietly setting up to be one of the most dangerous units in the SEC. The conversation around Byron Brown has shifted and that matters. With Auburn stacking the running back room with legitimate SEC caliber talent, the pressure on Brown to be the entire offense may finally be gone.
This episode dives deep into what that actually means on the field. Byron Brown is the unquestioned QB1. That part is clear. The real conversation is how Auburn can protect him while still using what makes him special. Brown is one of the most dangerous dual threat quarterbacks in college football. But asking him to carry the ball 180 plus times in the SEC is not sustainable.
The key difference is the running back room. Jeremiah Cobb is a true starting back anywhere in this league. Bryson Washington brings power and experience that most teams wish they had. Add in the depth behind them and Auburn suddenly has options. Real options.
That changes how defenses have to play Auburn. When a defender has to hesitate because Byron Brown can pull the ball and go eighty yards, it opens everything up. That hesitation is where big plays happen. That is where Auburn can punish teams.
This is not about limiting Byron Brown. It is about maximizing him. Fewer designed runs. Smarter usage. Letting the running backs cook while Brown stays healthy and lethal in the passing game.
If this offense clicks the ceiling is massive. Auburn fans might be closer to a Nick Marshall and Tre Mason
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BREAKING Auburn football fans this is one of the most important conversations of the offseason. Auburn head coach Alex Golesh finally addressed the biggest questions surrounding this program heading into spring practice and it all starts up front.
The offensive line has been the Achilles heel of Auburn football and for the first time in a long time there is real competition real depth and real confidence heading into the spring. Auburn now has 17 scholarship offensive linemen with nearly 20 total bodies competing for five starting spots. That means nothing is handed out and everything must be earned.
Golesh made it clear this group is built with experience and physicality. There are immediate contributors mixed with hungry young players who believe they can take a job. That type of environment changes a football team fast. Auburn is no longer hoping to survive in the trenches. Auburn is preparing to impose its will.
That mindset directly impacts quarterback Byrum Brown and running back Jeremiah Cobb. If this offensive line gels Auburn becomes a run first physical football team that wears opponents down.
Golesh also cleared up the play calling situation. Auburn will have a single play caller on game day and that will be Joel Gordon. However this is still a collaborative offense where ideas are shared and adjustments are constant between drives. That balance is key.
This episode breaks down why spring practice finally matters again at Auburn and why this offense looks ready to take a major step forward.
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BREAKING drama has entered the Iron Bowl on the hardwood, and Auburn basketball finds itself right in the middle of it. With Alabama pushing the limits of NCAA eligibility rules, the spotlight is now squarely on Charles Bediako and whether he should even be on the floor when Auburn and Alabama tip off inside Neville Arena.
This episode dives deep into the NCAA court case surrounding Bediako, the massive risk Alabama is taking by playing him, and why the NCAA and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey are clearly pushing back. There is real danger here for Alabama basketball, including forfeits, vacated wins, and long term consequences that could linger well beyond this season.
From Auburn’s perspective, this game matters in a big way. Sitting at 5 and 4 in SEC play, Auburn basketball still has a path to the NCAA Tournament, but the margin for error is razor thin. Wins like this one matter not just for momentum, but for resume strength. Neville Arena will be electric, the Jungle is already camping out, and this game has all the ingredients of a classic Iron Bowl showdown.
Keyshawn Hall continues to play at an elite level and is firmly established as one of the top scorers in the SEC. The bigger question is who steps up next to him. Kevin Overton’s defensive impact, free throw consistency, and ability to explode offensively could swing this game. Todd Pettiford’s Iron Bowl history also looms large as Auburn looks for secondary scoring and poise.
This breakdown covers matchups, tournament implications, Alabama’s defensive issues, Auburn’s scoring needs, and why this Iron Bowl feels different than most. High stakes. Real consequences. And a massive opportunity for Auburn basketball to take control of its postseason destiny.
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The first of 2 meetings between the Tigers and the Tide this season. Steven Pearl previews the game.
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Auburn basketball drops a tough one on the road against Tennessee, but this game said a lot more about where the Tigers are headed than the final score shows. Tennessee is one of the hottest teams in the SEC right now, and Auburn walked into a hostile environment and fought until the final whistle. That matters.
The Tigers shot just 38 percent from the field and struggled mightily from three point range, finishing seven for 31. That was the difference in the game. Keyshawn Hall once again proved he is the engine that drives this team, pouring in 21 points and continuing to show he can score against elite SEC defenses. The issue remains finding that consistent second scorer.
Chad Pettiford’s shooting slump continues, and while the numbers look rough, the context matters. Auburn does not have a true point guard on the roster, and Pettiford is being asked to run the offense while also creating his own shot. That is not his natural role, and it shows. Still, the coaching staff is right to keep letting him shoot because when those shots start falling, this team becomes extremely dangerous.
Depth is another factor. Unlike last season, Auburn does not have the luxury of heavy bench production. When starters have an off night, there is not much margin for error. Kevin Overton and the frontcourt have delivered in big moments this season, but consistency is the next step.
The encouraging part is the fight. Earlier in conference play, Auburn folded when punched in the mouth. That is not happening anymore. This team battled back, stayed connected, and showed growth.
With Alabama and Vanderbilt coming up, Auburn has a real opportunity to finish strong. Everything is still in front of this team heading into Nashville.
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Auburn football is once again at a crossroads, and the conversation around this team is getting louder by the day. Coming off press conference comments from the Senior Bowl and continued fallout from last season, the focus has shifted to what really matters moving forward. Portal decisions, trench play, and especially the Auburn football running back depth chart are now under the microscope as the program looks toward the 2026 season.
There is no escaping the reality that Auburn did not run the football enough last year. Injuries piled up, depth was tested, and by the end of the season the Tigers were leaning on players who should not have been in those positions yet. That cannot happen again in a league as physical as the SEC. The Auburn football running back depth chart is loaded on paper, but talent only matters if it is maximized correctly.
The discussion also turns to offensive philosophy and leadership. The frustration from the Kentucky loss still lingers, and it sparked serious conversations about pride, play calling, and accountability. The contrast between one week and the next was impossible to ignore. That type of inconsistency is what fuels fan outrage and creates long term doubt.
Health, rotation, and scheme fit will define how this roster evolves. Auburn wants to run the football. That message has been made clear. But wanting it and executing it are two very different things. The Auburn football running back depth chart must be managed properly, because injuries are inevitable and depth is not optional in this conference.
Basketball also made headlines with a tough road loss at Tennessee. Despite strong individual performances, missed opportunities and turnovers told the story. Auburn competed, but execution once again decided the outcome.
This episode dives into the hard truths, the uncomfortable questions, and what truly needs to change for Auburn to take the next step.
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There has been a lot of noise surrounding Auburn football expectations heading into the upcoming season, and honestly, most of it feels rooted in reputation rather than reality. This conversation breaks down why the eight win standard for Auburn is not only reasonable, but logical when looking at the full picture of the roster, coaching direction, and offensive structure.
The tight end room sits at the center of this discussion. Auburn struggled mightily at that position last season when it came to blocking assignments, catching in traffic, and handling critical third down responsibilities. That position dictates far more than box score production. Tight ends reveal coverage, secure edges, chip defensive ends, and turn short yardage into chain moving plays. Asking for basic execution is not asking for superstardom. That shift in philosophy is why there has been such an emphasis on upgrading that room.
Quarterback play also factors heavily into expectations. Byrum Brown does not need to be a highlight machine or Heisman contender. The standard is simple. Be where you are supposed to be, execute on time, and stay healthy. Auburn does not need superhero football. It needs consistency. The discussion also dives into the importance of quarterback depth and how much the offense can sustain if injuries occur.
When looking at the offensive side as a whole, play calling should be improved, the running back room is deeper, the wide receiver group remains productive, and the tight end position has been addressed. The offensive line remains the only real question mark, but even with uncertainty there, the math still supports growth.
Culture, preparation, and having an actual plan matter. Auburn has addressed issues that held the program back in close games. Eight wins is not a dream scenario. It is the baseline. Expectation should never drop simply because of recent disappointment.
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Auburn football is at a critical turning point heading into the 2026 season, and this conversation cuts straight through the noise. From the QB2 competition behind Byrum Brown to the spring game format frustrations, this breakdown is about what actually matters if Auburn expects to reach an eight win standard.
The biggest question isn’t just talent. It’s system. Auburn finally has a staff that understands how to maximize what is in the room instead of chasing stars that don’t fit. Alex Golesh has already shown everywhere he has coached that improvement follows structure and clarity. That matters when replacing losses like Cam Coleman and still maintaining balance at wide receiver with Keyshawn Singleton and Bryce Cain returning.
The discussion dives into roster retention, tight end upgrades, offensive line concerns, and why last season’s offensive struggles were overwhelmingly tied to play calling rather than player limitations. When ninety percent of the problem is addressed with a new system and play caller, marginal roster upgrades suddenly matter a lot more.
Defensively, retaining DJ Durkin might be the most important win of the offseason. Xavier Akins returning anchors a unit that should be competitive across linebacker and defensive back groups. Auburn is no longer patching holes. This is about alignment from evaluation to execution.
The expectation is not perfection. The expectation is relevance. Eight wins means being discussed in November, and that is the bar Auburn football should never fall below.
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Auburn football is officially turning the page, and the timing of Alex Golesh’s upcoming press conference could not be more important. With the transfer portal class largely finalized and the roster pivot complete, this conversation centers on what Auburn is really building heading into spring and fall of the 2026 season.
The biggest theme coming out of this moment is clarity. Retention was the buzzword early on, but reality forced a hard pivot. Auburn lost talent, recalibrated, and now enters spring with a reshaped roster that looks very different at quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, and tight end. Byrum Brown is clearly the face of this class, and the expectations around his development are real. The conversation now shifts to protection, depth, and competition.
The offensive line overhaul matters more than anything. Auburn understands that Byrum Brown’s ceiling is directly tied to pass protection and trench play. That reality drove portal decisions, and it will define spring battles. The wide receiver room also brings questions, especially around Bryce Cain and whether there is finally a real plan to get his talent on the field.
Defensively, the trenches and linebacker leadership stand out as areas to watch. The staff has emphasized competition, accountability, and culture standards, and now it’s time to see whether those messages have landed. Are players buying in? Are habits changing? Is Auburn done fixing culture or ready to coach football?
This episode dives into all of that, including quarterback pecking order, running back depth, tight end overload, and what Alex Golesh’s confidence tells us about where Auburn football really stands.
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Auburn football finally gave fans something real to evaluate and it did not come from hype or coach speak. After hearing directly from the staff, the biggest takeaway is simple clarity. Auburn plans to operate with one primary playcaller this fall and that alone changes the trajectory of this offense.
The discussion centered on how the offense will actually function now that the roster is set. There was heavy emphasis on continuity, trust, and structure. Auburn fans have heard collaboration before, but this time it feels different because the staff has worked together previously and understands when and how input should happen. That matters more than anything.
The conversation also shifted toward Byron Brown and how Auburn plans to use him. The numbers from last season tell the story. Brown was not just a quarterback. He was effectively one of the best runners on the field. That cannot happen again at the same volume in the SEC. The staff made it clear the priority is keeping him healthy while still allowing his athleticism to elevate the offense.
That is where the running back room comes into play. Jeremiah Cobb, Bryson Washington, and a deep group of experienced backs give Auburn flexibility it did not previously have. That balance is what Auburn has been missing. Fewer designed quarterback runs. More efficiency. More identity.
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The thing about Auburn football right now is simple. Nothing is guaranteed and that includes the running back room. With Jeremiah Cobb clearly sitting at the top of the depth chart, the real conversation starts with what happens behind him. That discussion picked up steam after Alex Golesh made pointed comments at the Senior Bowl that confirmed what has quietly been forming inside the program. Auburn is moving toward a true running back by committee approach and that makes this spring absolutely critical.
Jeremiah Cobb has proven he can do more than just outrun defenders to the edge. He can run between the tackles, absorb contact, and be a focal point of the offense. The concern has never been talent. It has been durability. That reality opens the door for a legitimate RB2 battle between Bryson Washington and Nicky Davenport, with both bringing experience and familiarity with winning systems. Auburn is not in a position to wait and hope. They need production now.
Behind them, younger backs like Alvin Henderson and Omar Maps face a defining moment. College football no longer rewards patience without proof. Portal movement guarantees competition every year. If there is no tape, there is no leverage. This spring is about survival as much as opportunity.
On the hardwood, Auburn basketball finds itself right where nobody wants to be but everyone expected. Squarely in the NCAA tournament conversation with zero room for error. Stephen Pearl has this team fighting, but the SEC schedule does not ease up. Wins over Arkansas, Florida, and Texas kept hope alive. Losses to Georgia, Texas A&M, and Tennessee remind everyone how thin the margin really is.
The next stretch decides everything. Auburn must stack wins now or the bubble will burst. The standard is not effort. The standard is making the NCAA tournament.
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Is Auburn ready for another "rock fight" at Rocky Top? Join Ike Jones as he breaks down the upcoming SEC showdown between Auburn and Tennessee at Thompson-Boling Arena. With both teams riding momentum and leaning into their defensive identities, this matchup promises to be a physical, high-stakes battle.
In this preview, we dive into:The Defensive Evolution: How both Rick Barnes and Steven Pearl have transformed their squads into defensive powerhouses as conference play heats up.
Key Player Matchups: Can Auburn contain Tennessee’s "offensive engine," Ja'Kobi Gillespie?
We also look at the impact of Nate Ament and Auburn's need for a big game from Keyshawn Hall and Elyjah Freeman.
The Battle on the Glass: Tennessee is the best offensive rebounding team in the SEC. Can Auburn’s frontcourt stay out of foul trouble and limit second-chance points?
The Return of Steven Pearl: For the first time as head coach, Steven Pearl returns to his alma mater. How will the raucous Knoxville crowd greet him?
Predictions & Analytics: We look at the Vegas spread, ESPN's matchup predictor, and what the magic number is for an Auburn victory.
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Steven Pearl addressed the media ahead of his trip to Tennesee, this time as head coach.
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So good to have you back Mike!