Auburn head coach Alex Golesh finally got his guy.
On Tuesday, South Florida transfer quarterback Byrum Brown put ink to paper after a weekend visit on the Plains, where he spent time with familiar faces, such as Auburn head coach Alex Golesh and offensive coordinator Joel Gordon, as well as several USF transfers already in the program.
“Byrum is a true leader and competitor,” Golesh said. “He’s process-driven in everything he does. What makes him special is how he elevates everyone around him. He makes guys compete at a higher level every single day and demands greatness from himself and his teammates. I’m so excited to see him at Auburn. He loves our offense and system, and honestly, I couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s joining us here.”
Brown has posted electric, record-setting numbers under Golesh and Gordon with the Bulls. He led all FBS quarterbacks in 2025 with 42 total touchdowns while averaging 347.2 yards of offense per game. He completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,158 yards with 28 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. Brown also rushed for 1,008 yards with 14 scores and posted at least 100 rushing yards in six different games.
If that isn’t enough, he became the only FBS or NFL player in the last 30 seasons to post 200-plus passing yards, 80-plus rushing yards, and at least one rushing touchdown in five consecutive games. Brown also joined just 11 other players in NCAA history with 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season.
Simply put, Auburn has not had a quarterback with this kind of resume before arriving on campus–possibly ever.
“I enjoy being able to facilitate the ball and get the ball to the playmakers, let them make plays, and then, given the opportunity, I’ll make plays,” Brown said. “I’m a quarterback that’s going to do whatever it takes to win – whether I’ve gotta run or throw. Whatever it takes to win.”
Obviously, familiarity with the staff, culture, and what Golesh is trying to accomplish were major factors in Brown’s decision. He said the choice came down between staying at USF and transferring to Auburn.
“I felt like that was my best opportunity was to just move on,” he said. “Coach Golesh has shown me his plan from Day 1 when he got to USF. Now, he came here and wanted to build something again. I trust in that man, fully. So, I can’t wait to bring this place back to where it should be.”
Brown is not the only former Bull who will suit up in orange and blue next season. USF wide receivers Keshaun Singleton – Brown’s favorite target at USF last season – as well as Jeremiah Koger, Christian Neptune, Kory Pettigrew, and Chas Nimrod are following Golesh to Auburn, as are tight end Jonathon Echols and running back Nykahi Davenport. On the other side of the ball, Auburn now has former USF safety Fred Gaskin and cornerback Gavin Jenkins on the roster.
“I’m very excited, but I’m also excited to get other pieces here,” Brown said.
Buying into the vision that Golesh and his staff outlined at South Florida – the same one they are building now – Brown is ready to hit the ground running.
His message to the Auburn faithful?
“Pack out Jordan-Hare Stadium,” Brown said. “Let’s do it – War Eagle.” TG
