Alex Golesh’s first Auburn football team is less than two weeks away from beginning the 2026 football season. He spoke to the media today.
“The biggest thing for us especially in year one…a lot of teaching, how we want it, what we want collectively. What I expect both from a player’s perspective and the kids.”
Golesh talked about some of his goals as Auburn enters a mock game week before next Saturday’s matchup against Baylor. One area the team has been focusing on is redzone efficiency.
“I like where we have got to with our plan. The offensive staff has done a good job of continuing to grow in terms of who we are and what we viewed from a redzone and tight zone perspective. Like where we are from a short yardage perspective.” Golesh feels the size of his team can help in this part of the game.
“Having these tight ends is really helpful. Having these bigger backs is helpful. We are big at wide out which is also helpful. That’s where, especially in this league, size shows up.”
Golesh said that they have also hammered home being able to run the football near the goal line. He said the redzone offers a unique challenge because of the up-tempo, adding it comes down to a battle of wills.
Another factor Golesh believes sets his team apart is having that second coach on the field at the quarterback position.
“Unique thing about Byrum (Brown) is he’s confident enough now in his 5th year that there’s wide outs in there with him, there’s tight ends in there with him. It gives confidence to the entire organization when you see your quarterback is here all day…that’s how he is. He sees himself very much as a coach.”
Golesh also gave reporters some insight into how the game plan comes together.
“A lot of it has to do with who you’re playing. A lot of it has to do with the flow of the game…I think going in you have to know what the thought process is. Your staff has to know what the thought process is…we could have a really good plan but we have to execute it.”
Golesh said there were no new injuries to add to what he told the media last Wednesday.
Game day between the Tigers and Bears is just 12 days away. Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, is set for 2:30 p.m.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
