Auburn’s football program is buzzing after a wave of preseason accolades that have placed five of its players on Phil Steele’s All‑SEC lists. The recognition arrives as the Tigers gear up for a highly anticipated season opener against Baylor in Atlanta, Georgia, under first‑year head coach Alex Golesh.
Defensive Standouts
Xavier Atkins and Rayshawn Pleasant earned first‑team defensive honors, highlighting their impact on the line and secondary. Atkins, who posted 84 total tackles, 60 solo stops, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks in his sophomore season, also received a Second Team All‑American nod and a spot on Steele’s 2025 First Team All‑SEC.
Pleasant, meanwhile, was lauded for his playmaking ability, finishing the previous season with 16 tackles, 11 solo, two interceptions and a touchdown. Both players are expected to anchor a defense that aims to build on last year’s momentum.
Special Teams Spotlight
Hudson Powell, the team’s primary long snapper, earned a second‑team special teams placement after transferring from Miami. Powell’s reliability in the kicking unit has been a steady presence, appearing in 27 games throughout his collegiate career.
Offensive Recognition
Jeremiah Cobb and Jo Simmons each made the fourth team on the offensive side of the ball. Cobb rushed for 969 yards and five touchdowns in his junior year, while Simmons transferred from James Madison, where he played in 29 games with 14 starts before joining the Tigers.
The upcoming season will open on Saturday, September 5, when Auburn travels to Atlanta to face Baylor. The game will serve as the first test for Coach Golesh’s vision and will showcase the depth of talent recognized by Steele’s preseason lists.