Auburn football Week 3 preview: Position battles, another scrimmage and more
Today is the first day of the 2026 fall semester for Auburn University students. The football team will be on the practice field today and tomorrow as they prepare for a Wednesday scrimmage. Auburn Undercover will be following several story lines as the third week of preseason camp begins.
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Will Auburn answer their head coach’s challenge this week?
Head Coach Alex Golesh described the Tigers first preseason scrimmage as sloppy. He said his squad did not have the look of a veteran team. He specifically felt the team did not do a good job tackling or perimeter blocking. Golesh is also hoping his team will clean up the pre-snap penalties. The word he kept using in the post scrimmage press conference was “humble yourselves.” Golesh said it is imperative that his players and coaches be receptive to correction to make the necessary improvements. They will have another opportunity on Wednesday to show that improvement.
Running Backs
The names at the top of the depth chart continue to be Jeremiah Cobb and Omar Mabson. Who else can push for reps along side them? During Friday’s scrimmage, Head Coach Alex Golesh praised the work of Sophomore Alvin Henderson. Golesh said Henderson stepped up during his drive with the twos. Golesh added he hopes Nykahi Davenport can work himself into the rotation. Davenport did not scrimmage Friday but practiced yesterday and is expected to be full go this week. Golesh feels this running back room will “be in a good spot” by game week.
Defensive Line
How large will the rotation be? On Friday, this unit rotated a total of 20 guys. 10 guys worked with the ones and 10 worked with the twos. A player that continues to impress is Cody Sigler. The transfer earned praise from Golesh who says he brought effort and energy to the field Friday. Dallas Walker IV and “Buddy” Mathis certainly figure to be in the rotation. They, and the coaches, have also spoke highly of Darrion Smith. Sophomore Jourdin Crawford, whom Auburn Undercover wrote about last week, continues to put himself into position for ample playing time in the rotation as well. At edge, eyes will be on Nate Johnson to see if he is back in pads. Da’Shawn Womack, J.J. Faulk, and Jared Smith have been taking the lion’s share of the reps there. Smith continues to have a very impressive camp rushing the passer. Golesh hopes this group can improve on short yardage situations. Overall it was a tough scrimmage in those scenarios despite the ones making a goal line stand, according to Golesh.
Closing
After Wednesday’s scrimmage, the team will get Thursday off before practicing Friday and Saturday. This week, Tight Ends Coach Larry Scott and Ends Coach
Coleman Hutzler will speak after Tuesday’s practice. Golesh will hold a Wednesday press conference after the team scrimmage. On Friday, Defensive Backs Coach DeMarcus Van Dyke and Linebackers Coach Brad Wilson will be available for questions after practice. Auburn Undercover plans to have audio from all these availabilities including possible player interviews. Keep up with the very latest on that at auburnundercover.com and @AUUndercover on Twitter.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
