Two Trending Tiger Names Crack Another Preseason List

Two Auburn Tigers who have been making noise throughout the preseason have found themselves on even more lists projecting them to be some of the best players in the sport in 2026.

Quarterback Byrum Brown and linebacker Xavier Atkins both earned spots in USA Today’s “Top 100 College Football Players for 2026” list that ranked the best players in the country based on “past production, along with future projections and NFL draft stock.”

Brown barely made the list coming in at number 96 with the company pointing to his breakout season in 2025, but noting his ranking was held down until he could “prove he can get it done in the SEC against a full conference slate.” Atkins was on the other side of the spectrum, coming in at 17 and being the second highest linebacker behind Texas’ Raheem Biles and the eighth highest defensive player overall. The Tigers quarterback was one of 13 passers to make the list.

Former Tiger and now Texas Longhorn wide receiver Cam Coleman was placed just outside the top ten, coming in at number 11.

Brown also was named to the Manning Award Watch List which was announced by the awards sponsor in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Tiger’s signal caller was one of 40 passers on the first iteration of the Watch List that will be updated at midseason before finalists are revealed before postseason football.

He was one of eight quarterbacks from the SEC to make the list that “showcases many of the outstanding quarterbacks who will define the 2026 college football season.” The last and only quarterback in Auburn’s history to win the Manning Award was Cam Newton after his 2010 season.

The former University of South Florida Bull is the first Tiger to make the preseason watch list since Bo Nix in 2021. Brown was an addition to the midseason watch list last year after his impressive start including upset victories over Boise State and Florida.

Along with the Manning Award and USA Today’s list, Brown has been named to watchlists for the Maxwell Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and the Davey O’Brien Award, as well as lists from the Senior Bowl and CBS Sports ranking the best in the sport.

Atkins is no stranger either, as he was designated as a potential winner for the Dick Butkus, Walter Camp, and Bednarik Awards, recognizing him as the best linebacker or even defensive athlete in college football.

Two of the most impactful starters for Auburn in 2026 being recognized by the nation for the potential season they have in store is a great step in the right direction for a program that is looking to rise back to the top of their conference under new head coach Alex Golesh and make their first bowl game since 2023.

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