A couple more Auburn Tigers have announced their intent to enter the transfer portal — and now the questions are piling up. On this episode of The Auburn Express powered by The War Rapport, Ike Jones is joined by Ceasear Walker to break down the latest portal departures, including offensive linemen DeAndre Carter and Favour Edwin, and what their exits mean for the future of Auburn’s roster. With 10 Tigers now in the portal, the conversation goes deeper than just “good riddance.” We dig into: Why losing OL depth still matters Development vs. star-chasing under Hugh Freeze Portal reliance and its impact on high school recruits Why some highly rated players never saw the field Offensive evaluation, roster management, and missed opportunities What Alex Golesh inherits — and what must change going forward This isn’t panic — it’s perspective. Are these departures simply roster turnover in the modern era, or do they reveal deeper issues with talent evaluation, development, and system fit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn fans, buckle up — the Auburn 2026 schedule just dropped, and it might be the most pivotal slate we’ve seen in years. From the neutral-site opener against Baylor in Atlanta to a late-season Iron Bowl showdown in Tuscaloosa, Alex Golesh’s Auburn Tigers are staring down a season that could define the new era on the Plains. In this episode, we break down every key stretch — from the early SEC battles to that brutal October run at Tennessee and Georgia. We’re talking winnable matchups, trap games, and why this schedule gives Auburn a real shot at nine wins if things break right. We also look at how Florida and Ole Miss fit into the early part of the year, and why Mississippi State’s defense could be the surprise spoiler in November. Plus, we dive into the importance of finally earning that signature win that’s been missing since the Freeze era. If Golesh’s offense clicks with returning weapons like Malcolm Simmons, Auburn might shock the college football world in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn gets the win over Chattanooga, 92–78, but it wasn’t exactly pretty. I’m back from Atlanta with my full reaction to what we saw inside State Farm Arena as the Tigers survive a physical, well-coached Chattanooga team. In this episode we break down: Auburn’s offensive efficiency (49% shooting, 17 assists) Why turnovers (13) and points in the paint are still a major concern How Auburn actually won this game (free throws + threes) Elijah Freeman’s move to the bench and his impact as a sixth man Keyshawn Hall’s double-double performance Tahaad Pettiford’s shooting night — and his avoidable turnovers Bench production, rebounding dominance, and defensive lapses Injury updates on Kevin Overton and the season-ending news for Emeka Oporum What this performance says about Auburn’s identity heading into the Purdue matchup This was a good, not great win — and one that exposes consistency, execution, and effort issues Auburn must clean up before facing elite competition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn basketball heads to Neville North at State Farm Arena for the annual Hoopsgiving event as the Tigers take on Chattanooga. On this episode of the Auburn Express, Ike Jones breaks down what makes this matchup more dangerous than it looks and why this game is a real test of Auburn’s discipline on both ends of the floor. We dive into how Chattanooga’s five-out, Princeton-style offense and three-point shooting can stress Auburn’s defense, why communication and perimeter discipline will be critical, and how Auburn’s guards must control the flow without fouling. Plus, we discuss Auburn’s ongoing turnover issues, half-court offense concerns, and what this game will reveal about bench depth and lineup trust moving forward. Is this a comfortable win, or another game that exposes Auburn’s inconsistencies? What should fans be watching for as the Tigers try to take care of business in Atlanta? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn fans — it’s time to look ahead. The 2026 Auburn football season under Alex Golesh is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal years in recent memory. After years of inconsistency and close calls, the Tigers finally have structure, discipline, and a staff that looks locked in. But is it enough to push Auburn back into SEC relevance? In this breakdown, we dig into the 2026 Auburn schedule, starting with the neutral site opener against Baylor — a team Auburn completely outclassed last season. From there, the Tigers host Southern Miss and Florida, travel to Vanderbilt, and then dive headfirst into a brutal stretch that includes Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, and Arkansas. Can this roster survive that gauntlet? We’ll also talk about the expectations for Alex Golesh’s first year, what a realistic win total looks like, and which early games Auburn must win to stay on track. Plus, we revisit the Hugh Freeze era and how message discipline and player trust will define Golesh’s rebuild. If Auburn can reach 8 wins in 2026, it will mark their first true step back toward SEC contention since 2020. The foundation is there — now it’s about consistency, quarterback play, and belief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Auburn Express is back with an inside look at Alex Golesh’s first offseason on the Plains. The conversation gets real as the crew breaks down what Auburn must fix at quarterback, how Golesh is recruiting for his offensive system, and why tight end development could be the X-factor in 2026. This episode digs into the patterns that have defined Auburn football — from the days of Jason Campbell and Cam Newton to the current challenge of finding a consistent passer. The message is clear: Auburn cannot afford another year without elite quarterback play. The panel dives into whether Byron Brown or Ashton Daniels could be the answer and why new quarterbacks coach Joel Gordon faces sky-high expectations. Golesh’s philosophy on player development and culture fit takes center stage. Auburn’s strategy seems less about star ratings and more about finding guys who buy into the system and execute with discipline. The discussion also explores the need to rebuild the tight end room, where missed evaluations and underdevelopment have stalled production for years. Fans looking for insight into how Auburn’s offense will evolve under Golesh won’t want to miss this breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn fans, buckle up! The Auburn Express dives deep into the Auburn Football Staff Update that’s got the entire SEC buzzing. Alex Golesh is putting his fingerprints all over this program, and it’s clear he’s not just hiring names — he’s building an elite staff from top to bottom. The headline news is the long-anticipated return of Cody Burns, who steps in as wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator. Burns brings passion, energy, and deep understanding of Auburn culture — but more importantly, a vision for developing playmakers who can turn potential into production. The offense struggled last year, ranking low in nearly every category, but with Burns and Joel Gordon leading the charge, expect a new level of execution and creativity. Then there’s Larry Porter, one of the most respected running backs coaches in college football, returning home to The Plains. His ability to recruit and develop elite running backs — from college stars to NFL-ready talents — adds an instant upgrade to Auburn’s ground game. Porter’s track record at LSU, North Carolina, and Memphis proves he knows how to balance development and recruitment at the highest level. Golesh’s approach is clearly intentional: he’s surrounding himself with teachers, not just recruiters. Three former defensive coordinators now anchor Auburn’s defensive side, ensuring there’s depth, mentorship, and a succession plan in place for the future. From Porter’s recruiting wins to Burns’ offensive revival, this is the kind of foundation that signals Auburn’s rise is no longer hypothetical — it’s happening. Tune in for our full conversation breaking down the impact of these hires, the importance of staff synergy, and why player development will define the next phase of Auburn football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The conversation surrounding Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has once again shifted toward his ongoing messaging issues, after another series of comments created unnecessary controversy inside the Auburn football community. In this discussion, the crew dives deep into how tone, timing, and word choice continue to undermine Freeze’s credibility and momentum — especially as Auburn enters one of the most pivotal seasons of his tenure. This episode explores the DeMar Alston situation, where Freeze’s statement about “program expectations” drew the wrong kind of attention and opened doors for media speculation that could easily have been avoided. From public remarks that misfire to recruiting implications, this breakdown covers how communication discipline matters as much as play calling when you lead an SEC program. If Auburn expects to show progress in 2025, consistency in message and culture will be critical. Fans, players, and recruits are listening — and words carry real weight when you wear the Auburn logo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Auburn Football officially begins the Alex Golesh era! After parting ways with Hugh Freeze, John Cohen made a decisive move that could reshape the Tigers’ identity for years to come. In this episode, we dive deep into what makes Golesh such a unique fit for Auburn — from his straightforward recruiting style to his no-nonsense, businesslike synergy with Cohen. Golesh isn’t your typical “salesman” coach. Players have described him as brutally honest yet completely genuine, and that authenticity could be exactly what Auburn needs to rebuild credibility and culture in the post-Freeze era. We break down how his personality aligns with Cohen’s vision for the athletic department, why it matters for the locker room, and how it sets a tone that recruits can believe in. We also touch on the program’s first major decision under Golesh — whether to roll with talented freshman Deuce Knight or bring in transfer Byrum Brown. The choice could define his early tenure, but as long as it translates to wins, fans will back it. Auburn’s next chapter is here, and it starts with leadership that values integrity, structure, and results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Auburn Express, the crew dives deep into how Alex Golesh is reshaping Auburn football from the ground up. After back-to-back seasons of underachievement under Hugh Freeze, the focus now turns to leadership, preparation, and process. This conversation unpacks why Auburn’s offense fell flat, what went wrong with player development, and why eight wins in 2025 should be the bare minimum expectation. Jeremiah Cobb’s underutilization, Cam Coleman’s talent ceiling, and the offensive identity under Golesh all come under review. The team also breaks down why elite programs are player-led — and how Auburn lacked that essential leadership both on the field and in the locker room last year. The message is clear: talent isn’t the problem — process is. If Golesh gets the details right this offseason, Auburn has the roster to compete immediately in the SEC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
BREAKING: Larry Porter is coming home to Auburn! New head coach Alex Golesh continues to build out his 2026 coaching staff with one of the biggest hires yet — veteran running backs coach and elite recruiter Larry Porter returns to The Plains. In this episode of The Auburn Express, Mike Gittens and Logan Fowler break down what Porter brings to the table, how his experience under coaches like Gus Malzahn and Mack Brown will help shape Auburn’s offense, and what it means for star running back Jeremiah Cobb’s future on The Plains. Porter, who coached at LSU, Texas, North Carolina, and most recently West Virginia, was named National Recruiter of the Year by Rivals in 2009. His reputation as an elite recruiter and proven developer of talent could be the key to keeping Auburn’s running back room stacked and stable as Alex Golesh begins his first full offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Auburn Express is rolling with major updates from the Plains. Auburn’s defensive staff just got a serious upgrade as Coleman Hutzler joins DJ Durkin and Alex Golesh, bringing elite SEC experience and player development credentials. Hutzler’s resume includes stops at Alabama, Mississippi State, Texas, and Florida — and his ability to develop NFL-caliber edge talent fits exactly what Auburn’s defense needs in 2025. But it’s not just defense under the microscope. Auburn’s offensive issues last season, especially at the tight end position, have left fans questioning whether the program’s talent is translating into on-field results. With new hires and a renewed emphasis on “proof of concept,” Alex Golesh looks to build a system that works in today’s SEC — not one based on a decade-old playbook. We also dive into the debate about Group of Five teams in the College Football Playoff and why the road to championships still runs through winning your conference. This episode is packed with perspective, stats, and that classic Auburn energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn football’s quarterback situation just got a major shake-up. With Ashton Daniels potentially heading to the transfer portal, the Tigers could see another key shift in the offensive room heading into 2025. This episode breaks down what Daniels’ decision means for Auburn, how Byron Brown factors into the mix, and why John Cohen’s long-term planning is finally paying off. We also dive into the coaching hires, the new offensive coordinator’s philosophy, and how this entire plan reflects a more prepared, stable Auburn athletic department. Meanwhile, Auburn basketball continues to battle through an early-season gauntlet. Fans are panicking after some tough losses, but patience might be the keyword here. Bruce Pearl’s squad is still finding its rhythm, and we break down why the panic is way overblown this early in the season. Stick around as we also cover the college football playoff expansion debate and what Auburn’s future could look like under this new structure. Chapters: 00:00 - Auburn Express Intro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn football’s offseason just got serious. Head coach Alex Golesh is wasting no time building his program from the ground up — and that means skipping the distractions of a meaningless bowl game. In this episode of The Auburn Express, we break down how Auburn’s decision reflects the new reality of college football: recruiting comes first, the portal never sleeps, and December has become a war zone for roster management. From losing key assistants to quickly rebuilding his staff, Golesh is showing that the focus is firmly on 2026 and beyond. Fans may want to see more football, but as Mike Gittens explains, playing in a low-tier bowl could hurt more than help. Why risk injury, bad optics, and coaching confusion when the real work is in the transfer portal? The guys also discuss how early signing day has turned the calendar upside down, forcing coaches to juggle recruiting, retention, and relationship-building in just weeks. With players like Perry Thompson hitting the portal and new defensive staff members joining the mix, every move matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn Football has made another major move in reshaping the coaching staff. Head Coach Alex Golesh has officially added DeMarcus Van Dyke as the Tigers’ new cornerbacks coach — his fifth assistant to join him from South Florida. Van Dyke, a former Miami Hurricane and NFL defensive back, brings professional experience and proven turnover-producing ability to a unit that desperately needs it. Last season, South Florida ranked in the top 15 nationally in interceptions, forcing 14 turnovers through aggressive secondary play. Auburn’s defense, while solid on the scoreboard, struggled with big plays, miscommunication, and pass coverage lapses. If Van Dyke can bring that same ball-hawking energy to the Plains, the Tigers’ defense could make a major leap in 2025. Mike G dives into what this hire means for Auburn’s future — from recruiting power to on-field adjustments — and why fans should be excited about this fresh direction. Plus, he and Jacob Goins break down the All-SEC Team snubs, including the shocking absence of top Auburn offensive names like Cam Coleman and Jeremiah Cobb. 00:00 – Alex Golesh adds another USF assistant 01:10 – Who is DeMarcus Van Dyke? 03:00 – Why Auburn’s secondary struggled 04:15 – Can Van Dyke fix Auburn’s defense? 07:30 – Recruiting and NFL player experience impact 10:30 – Auburn’s All-SEC Team snubs 14:00 – Underutilized offensive talent discussion 17:00 – What Alex Golesh must fix in 2025 18:10 – Sponsors: Ables, Sky Tobacco, The Vibe Vault 19:00 – Fan Q&A and closing thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn football is on the move again — and this time, Alex Golesh is making a statement. The Tigers have officially added DeMarcus Van Dyke to their coaching staff, and it’s already creating major buzz across the SEC. Van Dyke, a former third-round NFL Draft pick, brings both energy and experience to a defensive staff that’s been craving playmaking from the secondary. His most recent success at USF, where his cornerbacks led the team to 14 interceptions, speaks volumes about what he can bring to Auburn’s backfield. In this episode of the Auburn Express, we dive deep into what this hire means for the Tigers in 2025. From DJ Durkin’s evolving defensive philosophy to Alex Golesh’s freedom to build his staff, we break down every angle — including recruiting impact, culture shifts, and how Auburn is setting up to compete with the SEC elite. Van Dyke’s connection with top recruits and his NFL background make him a high-ceiling addition for a team that’s been hungry to turn defensive promise into production. Auburn fans should take notice: Golesh isn’t being “forced” to hire anyone — he’s choosing his guys, and that clarity shows in every move. This episode also touches on the internal dynamic between coaches, how Auburn turned down bowl invites to focus on rebuilding, and what that decision says about priorities for the program heading into 2025. It’s a new era on the Plains — and it’s being built, hire by hire, the right way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auburn football is entering a new chapter under Head Coach Alex Golesh, and the energy on The Plains is undeniable. After a passionate and lengthy first press conference, Golesh made one thing clear — Auburn will prove itself on the field. In this episode, Mike G breaks down Golesh’s “proof of concept” quote and what it means for Auburn’s identity moving forward. Can Golesh deliver results immediately and end the offensive drought that has haunted Auburn for years? Fans are eager for answers, and the message is simple: no more patience — it’s time to win now. From keeping elite talents like Cam Coleman and Jeremiah Cobb, to reestablishing the run game, Auburn’s new offensive direction could finally unlock its full potential. Rex Castillo joins the show to discuss what realistic success looks like in Year One and why Golesh’s process-driven mindset could be the change Auburn has been waiting for. 👇 Chapters 00:00 – Auburn hires Alex Golesh 02:00 – Proof of Concept explained 05:00 – Retaining Cam Coleman & Jeremiah Cobb 08:00 – Offensive philosophy under Golesh 12:00 – First-year expectations 15:00 – The “no patience” message 18:00 – How many wins for success? 20:00 – Final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Auburn Express is back with another War Rapport Wednesday — and this week’s episode is all about change on the Plains. With Auburn officially declining its bowl invite, all eyes now turn to Alex Golesh and his vision for the 2025 Auburn football season. Golesh is already building his foundation around loyalty, trust, and a powerful run-first offense, bringing in familiar faces like Cody Burns and key staffers from USF to lay the groundwork for a new era. The new offensive approach should excite Auburn fans — Golesh’s system produced a 1,000-yard rushing quarterback in Byrum Brown at USF. Expect that same ground-and-pound philosophy to feature heavily in 2025, especially with Jarquez Hunter returning to lead the backfield after averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Meanwhile, the transfer portal is buzzing. Big names like Perry Thompson and Jackson Arnold headline Auburn’s portal headlines. Arnold’s departure opens the door for new competition at quarterback, with Golesh rumored to be targeting familiar talent from his USF days. Beyond football, the crew also breaks down Auburn basketball’s brutal non-conference schedule — from Arizona to Purdue — and why Keyshawn Hall and Tahaad Pettiford could be the X-factors heading into SEC play. Whether it’s football or hoops, the message is clear: Auburn athletics are evolving fast, and the staff’s early moves show a bold commitment to identity, toughness, and results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
BREAKING: Auburn basketball took a tough 30-point loss to Arizona, and the conversation is heating up about what this means for the Tigers heading into SEC play. Stephen Pearl’s squad looked overmatched, and while players like Todd put up a strong individual performance, Auburn’s roster issues—especially the lack of a true big—were on full display. In this episode of The Auburn Express, we dive deep into the game breakdown, roster construction, and what needs to change before conference play. Todd’s 28-point effort wasn’t enough to overcome turnovers, size mismatches, and inconsistent production from key scorers like Keyshawn Hall. Auburn fans have every reason to believe this team can improve, but leadership and toughness must come from within. Coach Goldish has already impressed off the court with his approachable demeanor and attention to detail. His energy and focus might be exactly what Auburn needs to turn the corner. As the season unfolds, Auburn’s young roster will need to mature fast if they want to contend for the SEC crown in March. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
BREAKING: Auburn football’s quarterback evaluation process is getting a major overhaul under new head coach Alex Golesh. With his arrival comes not just a new offensive philosophy but a total realignment in how Auburn identifies, recruits, and develops quarterbacks who fit his system. In this episode of the Auburn Express, the crew dives deep into what Golesh’s staff changes mean for Auburn’s future. The conversation highlights why bringing in trusted voices like Andrew Warsaw and Alex Fagan could finally give the Tigers the synergy they’ve lacked in quarterback scouting and player development. We break down how past recruiting misses and coaching misalignment created inconsistencies under Hugh Freeze, and how Golesh’s background at Tennessee shapes his approach to building a complete offense — one where every piece fits the system rather than being forced into it. The team also draws comparisons to the legendary Cam Newton evaluation and what it looks like when a staff is fully aligned on talent identification. This is a moment where Auburn can finally evolve from being a program that buys talent to one that builds it. From NIL realities to on-field execution, this breakdown delivers real insight into the direction Auburn football is headed under Alex Golesh and why this new era could mark the return of elite development on the Plains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Barry Mann
So good to have you back Mike!