Auburn

Alex Golesh's lightning-fast attack with Byrum Brown turns the Tigers into an SEC problem for years, and Auburn desperately needs that transformation after a disappointing 5-7 campaign. The new head coach inherits a defense that grades out 16th nationally (+7.4 points) but an offense that ranks just 46th (+1.5), creating an imbalanced roster that JP+ rates 26th overall at +9.0 points. Auburn lost both quarterbacks Jackson Arnold (59.5 PPA to UNLV) and Ashton Daniels (39.8 PPA to Florida State) plus top receiver Cam Coleman (32.5 PPA to Texas), but landed the transfer portal's most impactful quarterback in Brown (178.3 PPA from South Florida) along with his former teammates Keshaun Singleton (39.0 PPA) and Jeremiah Koger (30.4 PPA).

JP+ projects 6.3 wins for Auburn, which should easily clear most preseason win totals after last year's underwhelming performance, with the gap driven primarily by Brown's elite production and a defense that should remain stout. Road trips to Georgia and Ole Miss plus a home date with LSU anchor the toughest stretch, while neutral-site Baylor and home games against Southern Miss and Samford offer easier opportunities. If Brown translates his South Florida success to the SEC and Golesh's system clicks immediately, Auburn could surprise and push for eight wins. If not, another mediocre season looms despite the defensive foundation.