It is fairly normal for a team to be continuously seeking out its primary offensive line rotation for a long time in the college football season. The statement is certainly a true one for the Auburn Tigers, but things are beginning to come into form.
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The Tigers played out a scrimmage in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Friday, where the picture of the starting five became just a little clearer as things played out throughout the morning hours.
Overall, Head Coach Alex Golesh had a mostly positive impression of the front, as they constantly changed things around.
“We rotated almost every drive all over the place,” Golesh said. “I thought they competed well. I thought after the first two drives, they operated well. There were some pre-snap stuff early, but I thought they operated well.”
One of Auburn’s primary offensive line groups during the scrimmage consisted of Jo Simmons, Jacob Strand, Cole Best, Cole Skinner and Stanton Ramil from left to right. That grouping is one that has been consistent with what’s been noticed in practice.
Health has been a huge focal point for the Tigers offensive line during preseason camp. During the scrimmage, Oregon State transfer Jacob Strand took a number of reps in the first-team rotation.
Strand missed some early time with a shoulder injury and was also very limited from finishing a jam-packed academic schedule before coming to Auburn. However, offensive line coach Tyler Hudanick touted his position flex, being a versatile option.
Another case of health has come in the form of Ramil, who had injury issues while he was at Michigan State. As he has gotten settled in with the Tigers, he has progressively gotten healthier, being able to be a full go during preseason camp.
Ramil was able to play the entirety of the scrimmage, which was beneficial according to Golesh as he continues to make strides in the offense.
“As we’ve brought (Ramil) back, he’s been on a snap count,” Golesh said. “Today he went the whole time which was really the first time for him in this offense to play just over a half, maybe two and a half quarters. He needed it just purely from an operating standpoint.”
Sophomore Jacobe’ Ward also got a chance to rotate in during the scrimmage, but was not getting as much time on the field as the others. Ward played in two games during the 2025 season, seeing the field against Ball State.
Overall Golesh said that the group will need the entirety of the next seven practices that they have to figure out the rotation.
There also is a likely world where Auburn goes into the season with a seven- or eight-man rotation, a scenario the head coach will be okay with if it comes down to it.
“(It) would tell us there’s eight guys ready to rock and roll,” Golesh said. “We’ll have a better answer here in a week.”
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
