How confident is Alex Golesh in Auburn’s red zone offense?

After a 2025 season plagued by missed opportunities in the red zone, Auburn football dedicated the entirety of preseason camp to refining its short-yardage efficiency. Head coach Alex Golesh believes the team is now better equipped to finish drives, pointing to a roster-wide shift toward increased size and physicality.

Size and Versatility

Golesh expressed optimism regarding the team's ability to navigate the red zone this fall. "I’m excited about where we’ve grown," Golesh said. "Having these tight ends is really helpful, having these bigger running backs is helpful, and we’re big at wide out, which is also helpful. In this league, size shows up."

The head coach highlighted a backfield rotation featuring Jeremiah Cobb, Bryson Washington, Omar Mabson, and Nykahi Davenport as a key factor in improving the team's short-yardage presence. Golesh emphasized that these larger frames will be vital in winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.

The Tight End Factor

A major focus of the offensive overhaul is the tight end room, which was widely viewed as a weakness in 2025 after producing just 26 catches for 251 yards. Transfer tight end Jake Johnson has been a standout throughout camp, stepping into a primary role with the first-team offense.

"I think in general, you have to be ready for the red zone, because that’s the money maker," Johnson said. "Especially for a tight end, it’s a mismatch. It takes a lot of IQ to be a tight end in the red zone. I believe we’re ready."

Defensive Preparation

Improving in the red zone is a two-way street for the Tigers. Defensively, the team is focusing on versatility to better handle opposing threats. Sophomore linebacker Bryce Deas is currently training in a hybrid role, alternating between coverage responsibilities and pass-rushing duties to better prepare for the varied personnel they will face this year.

"It’s very, very important," Deas said. "We’ve got a lot of good tight ends, good backs we play this year. Man coverage, and I mean, even zone coverage, having the technique right there is important."

Looking Ahead

With the Sept. 5 season opener against Baylor looming, the Tigers are transitioning into a mock game week to test their new systems. The team returns to the practice field Tuesday, and fans can hear more from Golesh when he appears on Wednesday’s episode of Tiger Talk.