Byrum Brown has officially signed with Auburn, reuniting with his former coach, Alex Golesh. The three-year starter at USF is expected to step in immediately to address Auburn’s long-standing quarterback issues.
While the move makes sense strategically, it comes with risks. Auburn already has a highly touted talent in Deuce Knight, who impressed in his lone start last season against an FCS team, showing he could be the Tigers’ quarterback in 2026.
Ashton Daniels, who took over late last season, had been a leading candidate to start but has now entered the transfer portal, clearing the way for Brown.
Brown’s arrival signals that Golesh is prioritizing immediate success over a gradual rebuild. Unlike Hugh Freeze, who preached patience when he inherited a roster lacking SEC-level talent, Golesh inherits a more competitive roster and understands that, in today’s era of NIL and the transfer portal, winning big quickly is possible.
However, questions remain about Knight’s reaction. After sitting out much of 2025 hoping to start in 2026, will he accept a backup role, or is Auburn risking its long-term future for one season with Brown under center?
For Auburn fans eager for a winning season after several frustrating campaigns, Brown’s signing could be the spark they’ve been waiting for—but it will be up to Golesh to balance the present and future successfully in his first year as head coach.