A Rising Star in the SEC
Byrum Brown, the dual‑threat quarterback who spent four seasons under Alex Golesh at the University of South Florida, has been placed at No. 17 in The Sporting News’ 2026 top‑25 list of college football’s best signal callers. The ranking reflects not only his 3,158 passing yards and 1,008 rushing yards from the 2025 campaign, but also his 52 total touchdowns that topped the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Brown’s ascent comes as he prepares to bring his skill set to the SEC, where he will face a new set of defensive schemes and faster tempos. The Sporting News notes that eight quarterbacks from the conference made the list, underscoring the league’s depth and the heightened expectations for Brown’s transition.
New Surroundings
At Auburn, Brown will inherit a revamped receiving corps that includes transfers Keshaun Singleton, Chas Nimrod, Christian Neptune and Jeremiah Koger, all of whom are expected to become primary targets. Complementing the aerial attack will be a backfield featuring Jeremiah Cobb, Bryson Washington and Nykahi Davenport, giving the quarterback multiple options both in the run and pass game.
Coach Alex Golesh’s former pupil will also benefit from the experience of veteran teammates and a supportive fan base eager to see the Tigers rebound. While the competition for snaps will be fierce, Brown’s proven ability to manage both the air and ground game positions him as a key piece of Auburn’s offensive resurgence.
Looking Forward
The coming season will test whether Brown can replicate his collegiate success on a larger stage. If he can harness the talent around him and maintain his dual‑threat production, Auburn could see a swift climb in the SEC standings, making his No. 17 ranking a modest prelude to greater ambitions.