Alex Golesh explains what Tray Taylor brings to Auburn's roster

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Alex Golesh explains what Tray Taylor brings to Auburn's roster

Alex Golesh explains what Tray Taylor brings to Auburn's roster

Taylor Jones, Auburn Wire · Auburn Wire

Tue, Aug 25, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Auburn football's depth at wide receiver took a hit on Tuesday when it was announced that redshirt freshman Erick Smith was no longer part of the Tigers' roster .

Where does Auburn go from here?

Auburn head coach Alex Golesh told the media this week that he has six, possibly seven, receivers that he feels put the offense in a great spot to succeed. However, an eighth wide receiver could emerge before the 2026 season begins.

Last week, former Troy wide receiver Tray Taylor joined Auburn's roster through the transfer portal , adding depth to Auburn's slim wide receiver unit. However, Taylor is limited in what he can do for Auburn as he awaits NCAA clearance to play in games. Although Taylor has not been cleared to play, he is able to help Auburn prepare for its season-opening game against the Baylor Bears.

"Right now, Tray is eligible to practice," Golesh said when speaking to the media on Monday.

Taylor has quickly gained the respect of his teammates since joining Auburn's roster last week, and he is excited for the chance to play one more season of college football. Now a member of the Tigers' roster, how will he be used? Golesh projects Taylor to be a dynamic threat in the return game, opposite Rayshawn Pleasant .

"(Taylor's) skill set as a returner was the most intriguing piece," Golesh said. "He's been productive as a wideout coming in as late as he did into camp. He's trying to get caught up offensively. I thought, coming in, honestly, the biggest value he would have that doesn't take as much schematic work would be a return value as a kick and a punt returner."

In two seasons as a player at the FBS level, Taylor has logged 761 receiving yards and four touchdowns while returning 12 kicks for 169 yards. He is another member of Auburn football 's impressive transfer portal class that will look to break in and lead Auburn to a winning season in 2026.

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) hands the ball off to running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers players warm up during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) warms up during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers wide receiver Brian Williams Jr. (15) catches a pass during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) and Auburn Tigers linebacker Demarcus Riddick (6) get pumped up during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers players break huddle during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers tight ends coach Larry Scott during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers wide receiver DeShawn Spencer (9) catches a pass during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Tavian Branch (91) warms up during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Auburn Tigers running backs warm up during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Contact/Follow us @ TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Alex Golesh explains what Tray Taylor brings to Auburn's roster

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