The college football season is quickly approaching, and programs across the country are finalizing their plans for fall camp. For the Auburn Tigers, this preseason marks the beginning of another new chapter as the program enters its fourth coaching era in six years.
New head coach Alex Golesh understands the importance of getting things right, and he is already making significant changes to how Auburn prepares for the upcoming season. One of those changes has caught the attention of a prominent college football analyst, who believes the move could help establish the foundation of a stronger culture.
According to reports, Auburn will move its fall camp operations away from campus and hold the opening portion of camp at a resort. The goal is to remove distractions, create a tighter team environment, and give players an opportunity to build stronger relationships away from everyday routines.
Golesh is also putting strict guidelines in place to ensure the team remains fully focused during the transition period.
“Alex Golesh says they are moving the team to the Marriott hotel and resort at Robert Trent Jones for 13 days to start camp,” On3’s Justin Hokanson reported. “‘There are no girlfriends, dogs, cats, whatever guys are into. It’s us for the next 13 days, which is huge for us.'”
ESPN college football analyst and former Georgia player David Pollack quickly praised the decision, believing Golesh is taking the right approach to establishing his program.
“War Eagle is literally locking in. Alex Golesh is nailing the culture dynamics for Auburn Football,” Pollack said.
Golesh Focused on Building Auburn the Right Way
Pollack’s reaction carries weight considering his background in college football. Golesh is implementing a strategy commonly used by successful programs looking to create a strong identity and establish expectations within their locker room.
Auburn fans have been searching for stability and success after years of inconsistency. The Tigers have struggled to find their footing, including a lengthy drought against in-state rival Alabama. While beating Alabama remains an important goal, Golesh knows the program must first rebuild itself from the inside.
Auburn cannot afford to make its entire identity about chasing its biggest rival. That mindset has contributed to some of the program’s recent struggles. Instead, the focus must be on becoming a consistent and competitive program in the SEC.
One of Golesh’s biggest challenges will be creating leadership and accountability within the program. Auburn has lacked stability at the top in recent years, but the new head coach is already showing a willingness to make decisions designed to reshape the culture.
Taking the team away from campus for an extended period allows players and coaches to focus exclusively on football, chemistry, and building trust.
The move alone will not transform Auburn overnight, but it represents an important first step. The 2026 season should be viewed as a year of progress as Golesh begins molding the Tigers into the program he wants them to become.
For Auburn to return to relevance, patience will be necessary. Golesh needs time and support from the administration as he works to establish a new standard on the Plains.