There have been quite a lot of questions surrounding new Auburn Tigers running back Bryson Washington over the past few months, as after missing much of spring camp with an injury, Auburn head coach Alex Golesh admitted to the media that Washington was 'not there yet' in terms of the physicality and body composition the team is looking for.
However, on Wednesday, Golesh seemed to insinuate that Washington may, after all, be making a push for a top running back spot in the depth chart after strong showings in the Tigers' practices that week, and according to The War Rapport's Mike Gittens, Washington, alongside competitor Omar Mabson, was taking reps with the first team in the Tigers' scrimmage on Wednesday.
"Bryson [Washington], in the past week, has shown why he's been able to do what he's done the past couple years," Golesh said.
So, what exactly did Washington do over the past few seasons? In his best season, 2024, Washington rushed for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns as part of the Baylor Bears, a marquee season that would have any team excited to have him on their roster.
However, in 2025, Washington was limited for a chunk of the season due to a leg injury, but still managed to put up 788 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, while playing in 12 games with the Bears.
A major concern surrounding Washington, not unlike the concerns surrounding the rest of the Tigers' 2026 offense, is how his production will acclimate to the SEC level. At his peak, as he was in 2024, most would likely say that they have little concern for his abilities, though after suffering through multiple injuries and seemingly falling a bit out of shape, he may not even crack Auburn's top-two running backs.
There will be a spot for him if he proves he is deserving of it, though, as both Alex Golesh and his offensive coordinators have been clear that their offense will utilize a three-running-back system, in which the top two rotate from drive to drive or as determined by the coaching staff, while the third will come on in specific situations as needed.
When Washington first transferred to Auburn, he seemed to be a lock for RB2 and potentially a contender for RB1, depending on how fall camp shook out, but as time passed, concerns about his physique had fans thinking he may not even log a significant snap this season.
Now, it is starting to seem like Washington's 2024 self may just be returning with a vengeance, and it appears as if there is a position battle on the Plains between Washington and Mabson.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/auburn as Alex Golesh Teases Key Transfer RB to Make Fall Camp Comeback .
