This week marks the official kickoff of fall preseason camp for Auburn football, as a series of press conferences was held earlier on Tuesday before the Tigers begin practice on Wednesday.
Head coach Alex Golesh was the first of three coaches to speak to the media inside the Woltosz Football Performance Center team room, followed by offensive coordinator Joel Gordon and defensive coordinator DJ Durkin.
In this first edition of “Plainsman Points,” let’s take a look at some of the main takeaways from what Golesh said at the podium on Tuesday, including a unique fall camp strategy, injury updates, offseason standouts and more.
Tigers to spend first 13 days in team hotel
One of the first things Golesh announced in his opening statement was that the team plans to spend the first 13 days of fall camp together at the Marriott hotel located at the Robert Trent Jones golf course in Opelika, Alabama, which is about a 20-minute drive from campus.
Golesh said that the heart behind it is for players to eliminate as many distractions as possible until classes start on Aug. 17 and, ultimately, experience an elite-level process for nearly two weeks while also growing together and bonding as a team.
He also went in-depth about the details of the decision, revealing that even the roommates are assigned strategically — older players will be paired with younger players. They will also take each player’s car keys on Tuesday night.
“No girlfriends, no dogs, cats, whatever guys are into. It’s truly just us for the next 13 days, which is absolutely huge for us,” Golesh said. “We need it. The time in college football’s different where the guys really don’t ever leave. They’re around all the time, so this is the one time where there’s absolutely zero distractions.“
Injury report for crucial players
Golesh provided updates on most, if not all, of the players who battled an injury over the offseason, as well as a rough timeline for their return.
Here’s a look at some notable injury reports, using only the information that Golesh provided:
- DL Corey Wells — in “final stages” of rehabbing an injury from high school; expected to return before end of camp.
- DL Chris Murray — recently had a “touch-up deal” on knee; expected to return in middle of camp.
- S AnQuon Fegans — rehabbing; expected to return “really quickly."
- CB Shamar Arnoux — rehabbing; expected to return within the next week.
- CB Devin Williams — injured in spring game; out for season.
- OL Tai Buster — injured towards the end of summer; expected to return halfway through season.
Omar Mabson II impressing despite loaded running back room
Alex Golesh had many good things to say about multiple running backs when asked how many he desires to have in the rotation this season, and along with Jeremiah Cobb, sophomore Omar Mabson II was a player he highly praised.
Golesh said he wasn’t extremely familiar with Mabson when he arrived on the Plains, but he has certainly impressed and is strongly competing with Bryson Washington and Tae Meadows for the backup spot behind Cobb.
"He doesn't say a whole lot, but he's on a mission to win a job," Golesh said. "He's pushed others in that room to either get on his level, or they're gonna struggle… He keeps showing us why he should play."
Mabson recorded 71 yards on 16 carries as a 17-year-old freshman in 2025, with his only touchdown coming in Auburn’s double overtime loss to Missouri.
Jeremiah Cobb transforms his body
Golesh pointed out the physical transformation Cobb went through over the last several months, detailing his commitment to changing his body through his nutrition and attacking workouts in the weight room.
“He’s had a phenomenal summer. I should give him his flowers,” Golesh said. “He’s gained a bunch of weight. He’s changed his body. I think him carrying the ball 200 times a year … ‘to sustain that for another year. I better put some weight on, some bulk.’ He’s done a really good job. He’s bought in nutritionally. He’s bought in from a weight room standpoint.”
Gordon went more in-depth with Cobb’s progress, explaining that Cobb now weighs around 205-207 pounds after sitting around 195-200 pounds over the last couple of years. That will be an enormous boost for the rising senior who tallied nearly 1,000 rushing yards in 2025 as he headlines a deep stable of running backs.
Golesh not opposed to late additions with new ruling
College football nearly erupted into chaos last week when U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney granted a federal court injunction, stating high school class of 2022 graduates may gain a fifth year of eligibility, with pending limits and regulations.
As Auburn sits less than five weeks until its opener against Baylor, there were questions regarding if the Tigers would consider making late additions within the parameters of the new ruling.
Interestingly enough, and to the surprise of some people, Golesh didn’t say no to the idea if the move made sense.
“There’s still a bunch of clarity that’s got to come of that. Ultimately, we have a little bit of room. We’re open and kind of working through it. It’s kind of a crazy time to add somebody … so potentially,” Golesh said. “I’m leaving the door open. We’re working through a little bit of it. If it’s the right fit, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to it.”
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Gunner Norene, junior in journalism, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2024. Norene previously served as a Sports Writer. He is currently serving as the Sports Editor.
