Where Auburn football lands in USA TODAY’s post-spring top 138 re-rank

Auburn football's first spring practice session under head coach Alex Golesh is complete, and the national media has submitted its assessment of the Tigers ahead of the busy summer months that will see the team continue to develop ahead of Sept. 5's season opener in Atlanta.

USA TODAY's Paul Myerberg dropped his post-spring re-rank this week and has placed the Auburn Tigers just outside the top 60 at No. 61. Auburn is ahead of several SEC rivals, including Kentucky and Arkansas, but is behind the likes of fellow SEC teams outside the top 30 in South Carolina, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Vanderbilt. Ironically, USF is ranked one spot ahead of Auburn at No. 60.

The Auburn Tigers will see a mix of new, experienced transfers as well as veteran returners in 2026. Auburn's offense is virtually new with a revamped quarterback and wide receiver room, and a slate of new starting offensive linemen. Jeremiah Cobb is the headlining returner on offense after rushing for 969 yards and five scores last season. Defensively, Auburn will have a veteran unit headlined by linebackers Xavier Atkins and Elijah Melendez, as well as quality defensive backs Kaleb Harris, , and Sylvester Smith-Reed.