Auburn has made a major move to strengthen its offensive line for the 2026 season, addressing one of the most pressing needs for head coach Alex Golesh. After losing all five starters from last year’s line to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal, the Tigers have been aggressively rebuilding to provide better protection for new quarterback Byrum Brown.
The addition signals a renewed focus on veteran experience and reliability, particularly at the tackle spots. With Auburn’s transfer class already featuring a mix of familiar faces from Golesh’s previous programs, the coaching staff has emphasized finding proven players who can make an immediate impact.
The game-changing upgrade comes with the signing of James Madison transfer Joseph Simmons, a 6-foot-5, 322-pound offensive tackle who started every game for the Dukes last season. Simmons allowed just three sacks in 355 pass-blocking opportunities and earned honorable mention All-Sun Belt honors. He is expected to start at right tackle, complementing fellow transfer Stanton Ramil on the left side.
With the transfer portal still open until January 16, Auburn is likely to continue adding depth to its roster. However, Simmons’ arrival already gives the Tigers a reliable cornerstone for the offensive line, providing confidence that the revamped unit can protect the quarterback and establish a dominant run game in 2026.