Auburn Tigers Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Notre Dames Bowl Game Opt-Out: A Leadership Lapse or Evolving Landscape? - The Fighting Irishs decision to opt out of their bowl game, despite not making the College Football Playoff, has sparked controversy. This move, reminiscent of a child taking their ball and going home, has drawn criticism for lacking leadership and prioritizing self-interest over competition and fan engagement. The situation highlights growing frustration among fans and analysts regarding how some programs navigate the evolving landscape of college football.

Auburns new head coach, Alex Golesh, retains DJ Durkin as defensive coordinator, citing their long-standing relationship and Durkins exceptional football mind. Despite average defensive stats and a mixed interim head coaching record, Golesh believes Durkins retention will help retain key players and stabilize the team, given Auburns strong talent composite ranking.

Auburn Football Passes on Postseason Bowl: New Coach, Coaching Turnover, and Player Absence Lead to Decision

Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding, now interim head coach, compares his situation to Alabamas COVID year, where an interim coach led to victory over Auburn. His comments, including a jab at Auburn, spark discussion. Golding faces a challenge leading a team known for its offensive success, while Auburn hires a new coach, potentially threatening Ole Misss position.

Birmingham Bowl Faces Challenges: Appalachian State Accepts Invitation, High-Profile Teams Decline The Birmingham Bowl faced difficulties in finding a second team to play against Georgia Southern. After several rejections, Appalachian State accepted the invitation, setting up a rematch of a close Sun Belt Conference game. High-profile teams like Auburn, Florida State, and UCF declined the opportunity, leading to a public plea for a team. This situation reflects a growing trend in college football, where non-playoff bowl games are losing appeal due to players focusing on transfers and the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame also declined a bowl invitation, further fueling discussions about the future relevance of these games. Despite these changes, some believe high-profile teams should have embraced the chance to play in a bowl game close to home.

Auburn footballs 2025 season ended with a 5-7 record, but an unusual opportunity for a bowl game arose due to other teams declining invitations. However, Auburn declined the offer, citing a new coaching staff and key players leaving for the transfer portal. The SEC remains strong with five teams in the College Football Playoff and six more in bowl games.

Auburn Tigers face significant departures as key players enter the transfer portal, including wide receiver Perry Thompson, defensive back Raion Strader, defensive lineman Antonio Coleman, linebacker Caleb Wheatland, and running back Damari Alston. The team is already eyeing potential replacements, with quarterback Byrum Brown from USF, linebacker Jaron Willis from South Carolina, and cornerback Jeremiah Hughes from Michigan State being top targets. As the transfer portal opens in early January, Auburn will be actively working to fill these crucial positions.

Auburn footballs new head coach, Alex Golesh, is in a critical period, with his first eight months shaping his initial seasons success. Hes evaluating a talented roster, emphasizing the importance of players who genuinely want to be part of the program. The transfer portal period, opening January second, is crucial for shaping the team. Some players, like Perry Thompson and Jackson Arnold, have announced their intentions to enter the portal. Speculation is growing about potential new additions, including Byrum Brown from South Florida. The transfer portal calendar has changed, consolidating the window to a two-week period from January second to sixteenth.