Preseason accolades signal optimism
Athlon Sports has released its Preseason All-SEC teams, and Auburn’s defensive standouts Xavier Atkins and Rayshawn Pleasant earned First Team honors. Their inclusion reflects a unit that finished the previous season among the conference’s most disruptive.
Defensive production sets the tone
Atkins led the Tigers with 84 total tackles and added nine sacks, a combination of volume and impact that made him a unanimous choice for the first team. Pleasant, meanwhile, proved equally versatile, contributing as a defensive back, a return specialist and a playmaker in the secondary.
Offensive firepower emerges
Running back Jeremiah Cobb burst onto the scene with 969 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his inaugural season as the lead back. His blend of speed and vision has positioned him as the centerpiece of what analysts expect to be one of the SEC’s most potent ground attacks.
Depth and experience across the roster
Cody Sigler, who transferred from Arkansas State, brings a proven track record of 35 tackles, seven tackles for loss and five sacks. His pass‑rushing prowess adds another layer of pressure to a defense that already boasts elite talent.
Looking ahead to the season
With a core that includes Cobb, Bryson Washington and Nykahi Davenport, Auburn’s coaching staff believes the offense will capitalize on its newfound depth. The combination of explosive playmakers and a defense that returns multiple All‑SEC performers creates a balanced outlook as the Tigers prepare to open the season against non‑conference foes before diving into SEC play.