It is never too early to talk about another Iron Bowl for Alabama Football. To the extent there is optimism on The Plains, it is largely driven by relief that the Tigers moved on from Hugh Freeze. Auburn fans are confident in Alex Golesh, but that does not mean their expectations for the 2026 season include a victory in Bryant-Denny on Nov. 28.
The last time Auburn won a Tuscaloosa Iron Bowl was in 2010. The 2026 Tigers will likely be seeking a seventh or eighth win on Nov. 28. An easy prediction is that Auburn will fail and the Alabama Crimson Tide will win its seventh consecutive Iron Bowl.
Auburn will be better under Golesh. Beyond the 2026 season, the Tigers might become much better. DJ Durkin will always field a solid defense. Golesh has earned his reputation as an adept offensive coach.
Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown should have the talent for an easy transition to SEC play. Brown's and Auburn's problem is that, at best, the Tigers have one proven offensive lineman. Golesh brought in 11 offensive players from USF. One of them is center Cole Best. Best can probably hold up against SEC defensive fronts, but there is doubt about the Tigers' other four starters. Byrum Brown is capable of getting yards when protection breaks down. He'll be called on often to do that in the 2026 season.
The bottom line for Auburn is that Goelsh and Durkin can only do so much with a 34% Blue-Chip ratio roster, which is 11th-best among SEC teams.
Auburn strengths that could challenge Alabama
Beyond Brown, the Tigers also have a good group of wide receivers. Four of them made the move from USF. Phil Steele projects the unit better than six SEC teams, including the Georgia Bulldogs. If the offensive line creates some holes, running back Jeremiah Cobb could cause Alabama problems.
DJ Durkin's defense should be solid, especially at linebacker, led by Xavier Atkins. Ole Miss edge transfer Da'Shawn Womack should be another impact player.
Auburn's secondary should be another strength, led by Andre Jordan Jr. and Kaleb Harris. Cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant was good last season despite some breakdowns. He is a legit special-teams threat with the ball in his hands.
Auburn expert Andrew Hughes provides an honest take on Auburn's 2026 prospects: "You may be seeing some list the Tigers' ceiling at eight wins. If that happens, the 2026 season will have been a best-case scenario. Anything above eight wins would be a fever dream. At this point, let's set the bar at six wins, with seven being a successful year."
Alabama football fans can be confident that one of Auburn's projected seven wins will not come in Tuscaloosa.
Game Prediction: Alabama 34 - Auburn 17
Add us as a preferred source on Google