The Auburn Tigers of the Auburn Tigers enter the 2026 season with renewed optimism and a reshaped coaching structure after a significant offseason overhaul. One of the biggest changes comes under new special teams leadership with coordinator Jacob Bronowski arriving from Pitt, bringing fresh ideas and a mandate to elevate a unit that finished No. 51 in ESPN’s SP+ rankings in 2025.
While Auburn’s special teams were serviceable last season often helping with field position and stability they lacked the explosive, game-changing moments that can swing momentum in tight SEC battles. Heading into 2026, however, several returning and emerging specialists could transform that narrative entirely.
K Alex McPherson — The Comeback Story With Star Potential
Few stories in college football are as compelling as that of kicker Alex McPherson.
McPherson’s journey has been defined by resilience after a devastating health battle that included a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, major surgery, and an extended recovery that severely impacted his playing weight and availability. After missing most of the 2024 season, he returned in 2025 with encouraging form, converting 20 of 23 field goals while remaining perfect on extra points.
Now, fully healthy and further removed from the challenges that once derailed his momentum, McPherson enters 2026 with a chance to reestablish himself as one of the most reliable specialists in the SEC. If his trajectory continues upward, he could become one of Auburn’s most trusted late-game weapons and a household name in clutch situations.
KR RayShawn Pleasant — The Explosive Return Threat
Transfer speedster RayShawn Pleasant quickly became one of Auburn’s most dangerous special teams weapons after arriving from Tulane.
In 2025, Pleasant delivered immediate impact as a kickoff return specialist, piling up 412 return yards on 17 attempts while averaging 24.2 yards per return. His season highlight came in electrifying fashion with a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown against Baylor, a moment that showcased his game-breaking acceleration and vision in open space.
As he enters 2026, Pleasant is expected to remain a focal point of Auburn’s field-position strategy—and if he finds more consistency, he has the potential to be one of the most feared return men in the conference.
PR Bryce Cain — Untapped Speed Waiting for a Breakout Role
Perhaps the most intriguing wildcard is Bryce Cain, a player whose athletic profile suggests far more impact than his current usage reflects.
A former standout athlete with elite speed and natural ball-tracking ability, Cain has yet to fully break out in a defined role despite multiple coaching transitions. His lone kickoff return opportunity last season went for 31 yards, hinting at the explosiveness he could bring if given a larger role.
With Pleasant handling kickoff duties, Cain’s clearest path to impact may come as a punt returner—an area where his agility, vision, and background as a baseball outfielder could translate into game-changing production.
If Auburn chooses to unlock his potential in the open field, Cain could quickly evolve from an underused asset into one of the SEC’s most dangerous special teams playmakers.
Outlook
Under Bronowski’s direction, Auburn’s special teams unit has the pieces to jump from solid to spectacular. With McPherson’s redemption arc, Pleasant’s explosiveness, and Cain’s untapped upside, the Tigers could quietly transform one of their most overlooked units into a legitimate strength in 2026.
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