Can't Wait For Saturday Former Illini staffer Golesh brings his best with him to Auburn
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Jun. 23—***
Earlier in June, I used this space to count down the Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2026. The list is at the bottom.
That really isn't enough to include all the possibilities. Last year, Fernando Mendoza wasn't considered a candidate going into the year. So, into July. I will float some names of guys who might enter the conversation if they get off to a hot start.
First up, a transfer,
Byrum Brown, Auburn quarterback
The North Carolina native moved with Golesh from South Florida after another banner season.
In parts of four years at the Tampa school, Brown threw for 7.690 yards and 61 touchdowns. He ran for another 2,265 yards and 31 more scores. His numbers would have been even better except he missed half the 2024 season with an injury.
In 2025, he passed for more than 3,000 yards and ran for more than 1,000. He is a dual-threat quarterback with the potential to thrive in the SEC.
Wisely, Golesh brought a handful of Brown's South Florida teammates with him to Auburn, including three receivers and a running back.
Will is work? Perhaps. What Auburn did before Golesh was failing, with the team finishing 5-7 in 2025. It is why he got the calll.
Trying to rebuild in the SEC is a chore. Auburn faces Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. But no Georgia or Texas. Brown and the Tigers will be tested in the third week when Florida comes to town. Jon Sumrall is in his first season with the Gators.
1. Jeremiah Smith Ohio State receiver
2. Arch Manning Texas quarterback
3. Malachi Toney Miami receiver
4. Julian Sayin Ohio State quarterback
5. Trinidad Chambliss Mississippi quarterback
6. CJ Carr, Notre Dame quarterback
7. Dante Moore, Oregon quarterback
8. Demond Williams Jr., Washington quarterback
9. Josh Hoover, Indiana quarterback
10. Darian Mensah, Miami quarterback
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