Auburn football entered the 2026 season with plenty of confidence in three position groups, but Alex Golesh and the Tigers now have serious questions about some of the areas that were supposed to be their biggest strengths. With Auburn entering its bye week, it's time to examine what has gone wrong at safety, linebacker and running back. The Tigers appeared loaded with talent in the secondary, especially with Eric Winters, Caleb Harris, Sylvester Smith, Champ Anthony and Jerrin Thompson's replacement options. But inconsistent performances and questions surrounding DJ Durkin's defensive scheme have created concerns about how Auburn is utilizing its defensive backs. Eric Winters delivered an incredible performance in the season opener, but can he return to that level consistently? And should Auburn be finding more opportunities for Sylvester Smith? At linebacker, Elijah Melendez has emerged as one of Auburn's most reliable defensive players. Xavier Atkins remains one of the most explosive athletes on the roster, but questions about run fits, gap discipline and consistency have become increasingly important. Can Atkins create chaos without sacrificing defensive assignments? Then there's Auburn's running back room. Jeremiah Cobb and the Tigers' other backs entered the season with high expectations, but questionable play-calling, offensive line struggles and limited opportunities have prevented the group from reaching its potential. Is Auburn putting its running backs in the best position to succeed? We examine all three position groups, the coaching adjustments that could help and why this bye week is so important for Auburn's hopes of reaching bowl eligibility. The talent is there. Now Auburn needs to find a way to get the production everyone expected. #AuburnFootball #AuburnTigers #WarEagle #Auburn Photo Credit: Jake Crandall IMAGN Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.
Auburn football entered the 2026 season with plenty of confidence in three position groups, but Alex Golesh and the Tigers now have serious questions about some of the areas that were supposed to be their biggest strengths. With Auburn entering its bye week, it's time to examine what has gone wrong at safety, linebacker and running back. The Tigers appeared loaded with talent in the secondary, especially with Eric Winters, Caleb Harris, Sylvester Smith, Champ Anthony and Jerrin Thompson's replacement options. But inconsistent performances and questions surrounding DJ Durkin's defensive scheme have created concerns about how Auburn is utilizing its defensive backs. Eric Winters delivered an incredible performance in the season opener, but can he return to that level consistently? And should Auburn be finding more opportunities for Sylvester Smith? At linebacker, Elijah Melendez has emerged as one of Auburn's most reliable defensive players. Xavier Atkins remains one of the most explosive athletes on the roster, but questions about run fits, gap discipline and consistency have become increasingly important. Can Atkins create chaos without sacrificing defensive assignments? Then there's Auburn's running back room. Jeremiah Cobb and the Tigers' other backs entered the season with high expectations, but questionable play-calling, offensive line struggles and limited opportunities have prevented the group from reaching its potential. Is Auburn putting its running backs in the best position to succeed? We examine all three position groups, the coaching adjustments that could help and why this bye week is so important for Auburn's hopes of reaching bowl eligibility. The talent is there. Now Auburn needs to find a way to get the production everyone expected. #AuburnFootball #AuburnTigers #WarEagle #Auburn
Photo Credit: Jake Crandall IMAGN
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
KALSHI
For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.