In today’s ever-evolving college football recruiting landscape, much of the attention and activity is concentrated around the early signing period, when the majority of prospects lock in their futures. Still, the traditional signing day, held annually on the first Wednesday in February, remains an important milestone for programs looking to add final pieces to their recruiting classes and address specific needs.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle winds down, Auburn continues to fine-tune its roster by strengthening a critical but often overlooked area: special teams. The Tigers recently added Australian punter Max Bourke, a move that brings both size and international experience to the Plains. Bourke stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds, and he developed as a multi-sport athlete while attending Brunswick Secondary School in Australia. His athletic background spans football, basketball, and cricket played under Australian rules, a combination that has become increasingly common among Australian punters making the transition to American football. Once he arrives at Auburn, Bourke will have all four years of eligibility remaining.
Bourke is scheduled to enroll during the summer and will step into a punting room that already features an international presence. He will be joined by fellow Australian Hudson Kaak, who transferred to Auburn last season after beginning his college career at Oklahoma State. Also in the mix is John Alan McGuire, a member of Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class who serves as a backup kickoff specialist and punter. Together, the group provides Auburn with depth, competition, and long-term stability at the position.
The Tigers’ special teams unit is led by Jacob Bronowski, who arrived at Auburn after previously working at Pitt. Bronowski was brought on by new head coach Alex Golesh as part of a broader effort to reshape the program’s identity and raise the overall standard across all three phases of the game.
Under Golesh’s direction, Auburn has been aggressive in roster construction. The Tigers have officially signed 21 freshmen as part of their 2026 recruiting class and have added a total of 60 players from high school, junior college, and the transfer portal since the new coaching staff took over. The steady influx of talent reflects Auburn’s commitment to building depth, competition, and versatility throughout the roster.
For a closer look at the players who have already arrived on campus as early enrollees, as well as those scheduled to join the program this summer, the full lists are available through Auburn Undercover.