The past few years have been rough for the Plains-based powerhouse, but better seasons may be on the horizon—at least according to a national analyst.
In a recent breakdown of elite programs and their forecasted performance through 2026, Adam Rittenberg of ESPN positioned Auburn at slot No. 37 in his long-term projections. That placement puts them ahead of well-known institutions such as UCLA, UNC, and Florida State.
Rittenberg’s evaluation incorporated several elements, such as quarterback depth over multiple seasons, performance in the trenches, talent development, and roster optimization. With Payton Thorne moving on, the expectation is that Jackson Arnond will assume leadership duties under center. Backup options like Deuce Knight and Ashton Daniels provide further stability behind him.
The analysis praised both sides of Auburn’s line, noting that new additions through the portal appear to have made up for offseason departures. Hugh Freeze, now entering a pivotal phase in his tenure, faces elevated expectations to deliver a positive win-loss mark next year.
Key names such as Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, and Keldric Faulk could be difference-makers, with each a possible contender for all-conference accolades by season’s end.
With nine Southeastern Conference members inside the top 25 of this projection, the question remains—can Auburn crack that upper tier in the next edition?