ESPN explains why Byrum Brown will raise Auburn's ceiling in 2026
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Auburn head coach Alex Golesh brought over many of the pieces that made his time at USF successful to the Plains, including several coaches and many players. The most important piece of them all is quarterback Byrum Brown.
Brown is a proven dual-threat quarterback and a welcome addition to the Auburn offense, which needed to replace its entire quarterback room this offseason for the second straight season.
Last season’s options, which included Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold and true freshman Deuce Knight, needed to prove themselves. The experiments did not pan out as Auburn quarterbacks combined to toss just 11 touchdowns despite owning one of the nation’s top receiving units.
Brown was recently included in ESPN’s top 100 newcomers for the 2026 season, checking in at one spot above his jersey number at No. 16. Billy Tucker, who compiled the ranking, believes that Brown has the credentials to force Auburn’s offensive ceiling to rise.
In 2025, Brown became the only player in the country to surpass both 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards while accounting for 42 total touchdowns. His dual-threat ability, arm strength and poise make him an ideal fit for Golesh’s up-tempo system. He consistently extends plays, creates outside structure and adds a physical element as a runner who stresses defenses. With familiarity with the scheme and several former USF teammates at receiver, Brown should produce right away.
Auburn fans’ first taste of Brown came during A-Day in April when he completed 7-of-14 passes for 85 yards and two interceptions. However, he should not be judged by his performance.
After warming up in a navy blue jersey, Brown was forced to change into an orange “no contact” jersey, which limited his ability to run and avoid sacks, forcing Brown to make throws that he normally would not.
Brown will also have four of his top five wide receivers from USF joining the Tigers’ receiving corps this season. Mixing the likes of Keshaun Singleton and Christian Neptune in with his former head coach and offensive coordinator, Alex Golesh and Joel Gordon, Brown has the tools to become Auburn’s most dynamic quarterback since Nick Marshall, who eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in both passing and rushing in 2013.
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn QB Byrum Brown takes No. 16 spot in ESPN’s newcomer ranking
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos