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Byrum Brown is in the upper-tier of SEC quarterbacks says USA TODAY
Byrum Brown is in the upper-tier of SEC quarterbacks says USA TODAY
Taylor Jones, Auburn Wire
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1 min read
Auburn football fans got their first look at new quarterback Byrum Brown during Saturday's A-Day game. Although Brown 's stat line did not blow anyone away, head coach Alex Golesh feels that Brown has what it takes to succeed in the SEC.
USA TODAY's Matt Hayes feels the same as Golesh, which can be seen in his latest SEC quarterbacks ranking released following Auburn's A-Day game. Hayes places Brown at No. 6 in his rankings, behind notable names including Texas ' Arch Manning , Georgia's Gunner Stockton , and Ole Miss ' Trinidad Chambliss . Hayes expects Brown's dual-threat abilities to become an issue for opposing defenses.
USF transfer will be a big problem for SEC defenses. Against Florida in Week 2 last year — when the Gators ’ defense was healthy and nasty — Brown had 329 total yards (66 rush), and led a huge upset. But the USF offensive line in 2025 was light years ahead of the Auburn offensive line — which will have four new transfer starters in 2026.
The great news for Brown is that two of his offensive linemen at USF, Cole Best and Cole Skinner, transferred to Auburn with Brown. Brown is also surrounded by several other familiar wide receivers, including Keshaun Singleton , Christian Neptune, Chas Nimrod, and tight end Jonathan Echols. Having so many familiar teammates and coaches put Brown in the best-case scenario to thrive on the Plains.
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Brown being ranked No. 6 among SEC quarterbacks puts him in the upper echelon of the category, and ranks him higher than Oklahoma 's John Mateer , South Carolina 's Lanorris Sellers, and Florida's Aaron Philo .
Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh leads his team during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) greets fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Aubie leads Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Fans greet players during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers players walk the field before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers players walk the field before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) warms up before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and head coach Alex Golesh talk during warm ups before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) celebrates a run during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) celebrates his touchdown run during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers running back Nykahi Davenport (24) scores a touchdown during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and head coach Alex Golesh talk during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Brady Marchese (12) catches the ball out of bounds during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers wide receiver DeShawn Spencer (9) turns up field during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) hands the ball off to running back Omar Mabson II (29) during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Fans swag surf during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrates his 55-yard field goal during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) drops a pass during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) celebrates his touchdown catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) turns up field after a catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) turns up field after a catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers tight end Xavier Newsom (83) catches a pass during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers offensive coordinator Joel Gordon runs drills with Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrates his 55-yard field goal with head coach Alex Golesh during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) makes a 55-yard field goal during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) and Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) celebrate the start of the fourth quarter during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers running back Nykahi Davenport (24) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) kicks an extra-point during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) celebrates his touchdown catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Tai Buster (71) blocks Auburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Aubie high fives fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) throws the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Rhys Brush (19) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh leads his team during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh leads his team during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) greets fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Aubie leads Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Fans greet players during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers players walk the field before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers players walk the field before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) warms up before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and head coach Alex Golesh talk during warm ups before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) celebrates a run during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) celebrates his touchdown run during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers running back Nykahi Davenport (24) scores a touchdown during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and head coach Alex Golesh talk during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Brady Marchese (12) catches the ball out of bounds during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers wide receiver DeShawn Spencer (9) turns up field during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) hands the ball off to running back Omar Mabson II (29) during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Fans swag surf during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrates his 55-yard field goal during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) drops a pass during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) celebrates his touchdown catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) turns up field after a catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) turns up field after a catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers tight end Xavier Newsom (83) catches a pass during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers offensive coordinator Joel Gordon runs drills with Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrates his 55-yard field goal with head coach Alex Golesh during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) makes a 55-yard field goal during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) and Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) celebrate the start of the fourth quarter during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers running back Nykahi Davenport (24) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) kicks an extra-point during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) celebrates his touchdown catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Tai Buster (71) blocks Auburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Aubie high fives fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) throws the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day Weekend
Auburn Tigers quarterback Rhys Brush (19) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football QB Byrum Brown sits high in USA TODAY SEC QB rankings
