After leading USF to a 23-15 record in his three seasons as head coach, Alex Golesh is now looking to replicate the same success at Auburn. He has already kept defensive coordinator DJ Durkin on staff and is in the process of assembling a promising coaching team.
With Auburn ending the 2025 season at 5-7, Golesh faces crucial areas that need improvement. A major focus will be on former five-star quarterback Deuce Knight, who was predicted to start this season but had limited opportunities to demonstrate his abilities.
Alex Golesh in Hot Water Over Deuce Knight’s Possible Move
After taking over for Hugh Freeze, Golesh completed a three-day stretch managing his first Auburn football signing class. The process was challenging, as the new Tigers head coach couldn’t hold onto five-star safety Bralan Womack, who flipped to Mississippi State.
Another setback for Golesh came when five-star wide receiver Jase Mathews also flipped, this time to Ole Miss. Following Mathews’ decision, WLOX’s Matt Degregorio speculated wildly that Knight could transfer to Ole Miss.
“Matthews is a huge get for a Rebels program that still has a lot of questions yet to be answered about the future of the offensive coaching staff,” Degregorio said. “It should also be noted that the Greene County star is very close with Auburn quarterback and former George County standout Deuce Knight. Knight could be a player at the Rebels target in the transfer portal.”
Auburn is projected to spend roughly $25-30 million on the 2026 roster, according to AL. Retention and transfer portal success are now primary focuses for Alex’s staff, and keeping Knight committed will be a significant challenge for the first-year head coach.
Knight earned his first start for Auburn in the Tigers’ 62-17 win over Mercer on Nov. 22, delivering a phenomenal performance that included a 75-yard rushing touchdown on his first play and a 91-yard touchdown pass. He totaled 401 yards and tied the program’s single-game touchdown record with six scores.
Knight, who did not play in the Iron Bowl last weekend, might remind Golesh of a player he developed at South Florida, Byrum Brown. Both are dual-threat quarterbacks capable of creating havoc with both arms and legs.
Meanwhile, Golesh got another big piece of news in the quarterback room on Saturday as Jackson Arnold opted to return to the transfer portal this offseason. Arnold met with Golesh’s staff this week and was encouraged to explore other options. In 10 games this season, Arnold completed 136 of 215 passes for 1,309 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions while also rushing for 311 yards and eight touchdowns.
