Iron Bowl Recruitment: Tigers Vie for Top OL Gem
Alex Golesh and Auburn are zeroing in on Joey Fleming, the nation’s No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the 2028 class. After a top-10 2027 haul that lacked five-stars, the Tigers square off against rival Alabama for Fleming’s commitment. Rivals’ prediction machine gives Bama a 21% edge, with Auburn at 19%. Fleming’s five-star status could shore up a unit depleted by six 2025 departures and ease the coach’s infamous hair-pulling moments over his line’s performance.
It’s recruiting season, which means we all get to pretend that slick PowerPoint slides and promise-of-fame tours matter more than actual play. Golesh is basically asking Jacksonville’s top high school bulldozer to choose between wearing crimson or orange — as if Joey Fleming doesn’t know he’ll eventually end up in the NFL regardless. Meanwhile, we await the next thrilling chapter where Auburn begs for divine intervention while Alabama casually harvests talent like it’s a backyard barbecue. Pray for the hairline, wouldn’t want that offensive line to lose its best protective gear.
Golesh’s Caution: RB Bryson Washington Isn’t Game-Ready
Auburn’s new playbook relies heavily on Byrum Brown, Jeremiah Cobb, and transfer Bryson Washington. Despite a 1,028-yard season at Baylor in 2024, Washington’s spring was derailed by a lingering soft-tissue injury. Coach Alex Golesh insists Washington is “physically at 100%” yet warns he still must adapt to Auburn’s high-octane demands—carrying, blocking, and running routes in sequence. Fall camp will be crucial, though Auburn has depth with transfers like Nykahi Davenport and returner Omar Mabson ready to step in.
Nothing says “high-octane offense” like publicly admitting your star back can’t string together more than seven runs without collapsing in a puddle of inadequate conditioning. Golesh is basically shipping Washington off to a boot camp where they’ll teach him how to breathe, then run, then block, then run while breathing all at once. Meanwhile, Auburn fans can take comfort in knowing that even if Washington craps out, there’s a merry band of backups polishing their cleats and praying for a miracle—or at least a nap.
Tigers Slip to No.44 in Rothstein’s Hoops Hierarchy
Jon Rothstein’s 2026–27 preseason college basketball rankings place Auburn at a humble No. 44, despite a roster overhaul and two towering international transfers: Mantas Rubstavicius and Narcisse Ngoy. With only Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton returning from last year’s NIT run, the Tigers hope new talent will secure a tournament berth. Rubstavicius brings Lithuanian scoring prowess, while Ngoy adds a seven-foot French presence. Auburn aims to exceed expectations and chase a high seed come March.
Nothing tickles the Tiger nerves like being lumped just above the also-rans. But hey, at least they get to brag about having two seven-footers—because there’s nothing more terrifying than a giant who doesn’t know which basket to shoot at. If these international imports can learn the rules before tipoff, Auburn might just climb Rothstein’s ladder instead of scraping barnacles at the bottom. Buckle up: this could be the most suspenseful NCAA narrative since “Will they make the bracket or start planning drill meets?”
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