Auburn football is navigating a massive transitional phase as the program moves deeper into the Alex Golesh era. With spring practices in the rearview mirror, the 2026 Auburn football depth chart has begun to crystallize, revealing a roster that is perhaps the most talented and balanced it has been in a decade. The transition to a high-tempo, innovative offensive scheme has forced several veteran players to adapt while opening the door for elite underclassmen to challenge for starting roles.

The following analysis details the current hierarchy across all position groups, reflecting movements from the transfer portal, spring standouts, and the returning core that opted to stay on the Plains.

Quarterback: The veteran vs. the rising star

The most scrutinized battle on the Auburn football depth chart remains the quarterback position. Heading into the summer, the hierarchy appears to be a two-horse race, though the coaching staff has been reluctant to name a definitive starter.

  1. Jackson Arnold (Sr.)
  2. Deuce Knight (So.)
  3. John Colvin (Jr.)

Jackson Arnold enters his final year of eligibility with a significant advantage in terms of experience. After a solid 2025 campaign, Arnold has shown a much deeper grasp of the Golesh offensive system. His ability to process pre-snap reads and deliver the ball on time in the quick-game fits the current philosophy perfectly. During the spring game, Arnold displayed improved mobility, a necessity for a quarterback operating in an offense that demands vertical pressure.

However, Deuce Knight is the name on everyone’s lips. The sophomore has physical tools that are hard to ignore. His arm talent allows him to make throws into tight windows that few in the SEC can match. While Arnold offers stability, Knight offers a higher ceiling for an offense that wants to be explosive. Knight saw increased reps with the first team during the final week of spring, suggesting that this competition will bleed into fall camp. For now, Arnold is the projected starter, but the gap is narrowing.

Running Back: A crowded and elite room

If there is one area where the Auburn football depth chart is undeniably deep, it is the backfield. The arrival of Alex Golesh has brought a renewed focus on the ground game as a setup for the deep passing attack. This has resulted in a backfield that might be the most competitive in the SEC.

  1. Jeremiah Cobb (Sr.)
  2. Bryson Washington (Jr.)
  3. Nykaiah Davenport (So.)
  4. Alvin Henderson (So.)

Jeremiah Cobb remains the focal point. As a senior, Cobb is the emotional leader of the offense. His versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield makes him an indispensable asset in the current scheme. However, the addition of Bryson Washington from Baylor has changed the dynamic. Washington is a "one-cut-and-go" runner who excelled in spring short-yardage situations. It is likely that Auburn will utilize a 1A and 1B system rather than a traditional bell-cow approach.

Nykaiah Davenport, who followed the coaching staff from USF, is the wildcard. His familiarity with the blocking schemes and tempo gave him an early edge in spring. He is currently battling Alvin Henderson for the third-down role. Henderson, a redshirt sophomore, has shown flashes of elite speed but still needs to improve in pass protection to see significant snaps.

Wide Receiver: The "Freeze Four" enters maturity

The receiving corps is no longer a group of talented freshmen; they are now the veteran backbone of the Auburn football depth chart. The 2026 season represents the moment these high-profile recruits are expected to dominate the conference.

X-Receiver

  1. Cam Coleman (Jr.)
  2. Sam Turner (So.)

Cam Coleman is the undisputed alpha. His frame and catch radius make him the primary target for Jackson Arnold. Throughout the spring, Coleman was used more frequently in motion, a staple of the new offensive design to create mismatches against smaller cornerbacks.

Z-Receiver

  1. Perry Thompson (Jr.)
  2. Horatio Fields (Sr.)

Perry Thompson provides the physical presence on the opposite side of Coleman. Thompson’s ability to win 50/50 balls was a highlight of the spring scrimmage. Behind him, Horatio Fields provides veteran depth and is a reliable option in red-zone packages.

Slot (H-Receiver)

  1. Malcolm Simmons (Jr.)
  2. Eric Singleton Jr. (Sr.)
  3. Bryce Cain (So.)

This is perhaps the fastest segment of the roster. Malcolm Simmons has taken a massive leap in his route-running precision. Eric Singleton Jr., a veteran transfer, offers a different look with his elite lateral quickness. Expect these two to rotate frequently to maintain a relentless tempo that wears down opposing secondaries.

Tight End: Hybrid roles and blocking specialists

The tight end position on the Auburn football depth chart has evolved. No longer just extra blockers, these players are now required to be hybrid threats.

  1. Preston Howard (Sr.)
  2. Hollis Davidson III (So.)
  3. Tate Johnson (Sr.)

Preston Howard has established himself as the primary pass-catching threat at tight end. His chemistry with the quarterbacks in the middle of the field became evident during spring drills. Hollis Davidson III is the developmental piece who has the size to be a dominant blocker but is still refining his hands. Tate Johnson remains the specialist for heavy personnel and goal-line situations.

Offensive Line: Building chemistry upfront

Consistency on the offensive line is the biggest question mark for Auburn in 2026. After several years of flux, the staff is looking for a settled five-man unit.

  • Left Tackle: Xavier Chaplin (Sr.) / Izavion Miller (Sr.)
  • Left Guard: Dillon Wade (Sr.) / Deandre Carter (So.)
  • Center: Connor Lew (Sr.) / Kail Ellis (So.)
  • Right Guard: Jeremiah Wright (Sr.) / Seth Wilfred (Jr.)
  • Right Tackle: Mason Murphy (Sr.) / Tyler Johnson (Jr.)

The interior of the line is the strength. Connor Lew is a multi-year starter and the undisputed "quarterback" of the unit. His ability to call out blitzes is vital for Jackson Arnold. On the edges, Xavier Chaplin and Mason Murphy are the projected starters, but Izavion Miller pushed for reps throughout the spring, suggesting a potential rotation at tackle to keep players fresh for the fourth quarter.

Defensive Line: The engine of the defense

Auburn’s defensive philosophy continues to emphasize a stout interior with explosive edge rushers. The depth here is solid, though there is a heavy reliance on a few key stars.

Defensive Tackle / Nose Tackle

  1. Malik Blocton (Jr.)
  2. Bobby Jamison-Travis (Sr.)
  3. Malik Autry (So.)
  4. Dallas Walker IV (Sr.)

Malik Blocton has transformed his body over the last year and was nearly unblockable in certain spring periods. He and Jamison-Travis provide a massive interior presence that is difficult to move in the run game. Malik Autry is the high-upside sophomore who will be part of the primary rotation.

Defensive End

  1. Keldric Faulk (Sr.)
  2. Amaris Williams (Jr.)
  3. Jared Smith (So.)

Keldric Faulk is the face of the defense. Now a senior, he is expected to be a high-round NFL draft pick. His ability to slide inside on passing downs gives the defensive coordinator immense flexibility. Amaris Williams has developed into a reliable secondary rusher who sets the edge effectively against the run.

Edge / Buck: The pass rush specialists

  1. Keyron Crawford (Sr.)
  2. Chris Murray (Sr.)
  3. Joe Phillips (So.)

Keyron Crawford remains the primary pass-rushing threat from the Buck position. His first step remains one of the fastest in the SEC. Behind him, Joe Phillips had a breakout spring, recording multiple "sacks" in the spring game, signaling he is ready for a significantly increased role.

Linebackers: Speed and sideline-to-sideline range

The linebacker room has moved away from traditional thumper-style players toward more versatile, rangy athletes who can cover slot receivers when necessary.

MIKE Linebacker

  1. Robert Woodyard Jr. (Sr.)
  2. Caleb Wheatland (Sr.)

Robert Woodyard Jr. is the veteran signal-caller. He rarely leaves the field and is the primary communicator for the front seven. Caleb Wheatland is a reliable backup who excels in downhill run support.

WILL Linebacker

  1. Demarcus Riddick (Jr.)
  2. Xavier Atkins (Jr.)
  3. Elijah Melendez (So.)

Demarcus Riddick is arguably the most athletic player on the defense. His ability to chase down plays from the backside is elite. The coaching staff has also experimented with him in some edge-rushing roles. Xavier Atkins provides excellent depth and is a standout on special teams.

Secondary: Solidifying the backend

After some inconsistency last year, the secondary has been a major focus of the new defensive staff. The Auburn football depth chart reflects a mix of battle-tested veterans and elite young talent.

Cornerback

  • CB1: Kayin Lee (Sr.) / Rayshawn Pleasant (Sr.)
  • CB2: Jay Crawford (Jr.) / Raion Strader (Sr.)

Kayin Lee is the lockdown corner. He is rarely tested but remains disciplined in his technique. The other side is a tight battle between Jay Crawford and transfer Raion Strader. Crawford had a slightly better spring in terms of ball production, but Strader’s experience in high-leverage situations is highly valued.

Safety

  • Free Safety: Champ Anthony (Sr.) / Jahquez Robinson (Sr.)
  • Strong Safety: Kaleb Harris (Jr.) / Eric Winters (So.)

Champ Anthony and Kaleb Harris provide a stable veteran duo. Harris is particularly effective when playing in the box. Sophomore Eric Winters is the player to watch; he possesses rare range for his size and could force his way into a starting role by mid-season.

Star (Nickel)

  1. Sylvester Smith (Jr.)
  2. Anquon Fegans (So.)

Sylvester Smith is the starter here, but Anquon Fegans is too talented to keep off the field. Expect a heavy rotation here depending on the offensive personnel of the opponent. Fegans excels in coverage, while Smith is the better run-support player.

Special Teams: Reliability in the kicking game

Auburn has a long tradition of elite special teams, and the 2026 unit looks to continue that trend.

  • Kicker: Alex McPherson (Sr.) / Towns McGough (Jr.)
  • Punter: Hudson Kaak (Sr.)
  • Long Snapper: Reed Hughes (Sr.)

Alex McPherson remains one of the most accurate kickers in the country. Towns McGough provides a huge leg for kickoffs and long-range field goals. Hudson Kaak’s ability to pin opponents inside the 20-yard line is a key component of Auburn’s field position strategy.

Final Outlook for the 2026 Roster

The Auburn football depth chart exiting the spring of 2026 shows a team with very few glaring weaknesses. The quarterback situation will naturally dominate the headlines until a starter is officially named, but the surrounding talent in the RB and WR rooms is sufficient to support whoever is under center.

The defensive front four is among the best in the conference, anchored by Keldric Faulk. If the secondary can remain healthy and consistent, Auburn’s defense should be able to complement the high-tempo offense effectively. The biggest variable remains the offensive line's ability to gel under the pressure of the Golesh system's pace. As the team moves toward fall camp, the focus will shift from individual competition to unit cohesion, but for now, the foundation appears exceptionally strong.