With a new era underway on the Plains, expectations are already building around Auburn’s offense for 2026. National media outlets have pegged USF transfer Byrum Brown as the frontrunner to take command of the Tigers’ attack, and new offensive coordinator Joel Gordon did little to quiet that buzz this week. Speaking on Wednesday, Gordon expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to shape an offense around a dynamic quarterback while navigating the challenges of a roster overhaul.
Gordon emphasized that Auburn’s offensive identity is still a work in progress. “I think one of the most fun parts of my job and us as an offensive staff is figuring out what we’re going to look like,” he explained. With what he described as “pretty much a brand new team,” the staff is tasked with adjusting concepts used over the past three seasons to better suit their current personnel. While Gordon admitted he does not yet have a definitive blueprint, he made one thing clear: Brown’s skill set must be central to whatever system emerges. “Byrum Brown, whatever offense he’s in, you’d be silly not to use him and all the tools that he has,” Gordon said.
Is Byrum Brown More Lamar Jackson or Jayden Daniels?
Brown’s résumé suggests he belongs in elite company. During his time at USF, he accounted for more than 31 total touchdowns. According to Auburn Undercover’s Nathan King, Brown is among a select group of quarterbacks — including Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels — who have eclipsed both 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. That rare blend of production through the air and on the ground underscores why Auburn sees him as a potential game-changer.
Gordon went even further in praising Brown’s athleticism, particularly his ability as a runner. “He’s easily the best running quarterback I’ve ever seen,” Gordon stated. He highlighted how Brown’s rushing success is not limited to designed quarterback runs. In Auburn’s scheme, if primary options are covered, Brown’s instinct and explosiveness allow him to turn broken plays into major gains — an element Gordon considers a natural extension of the offense.
Last season, Brown led the nation in total offense and averaged an impressive 7.0 yards on 159 designed carries. That level of dual-threat efficiency presents a daunting challenge for SEC defenses. As spring practice approaches, Auburn’s revamped coaching staff will focus on molding its new-look roster around Brown’s unique talents, hoping his arrival signals a resurgence for the Tigers in 2026.