We just got out of A-Day, and while there’s plenty to dissect, the big takeaway is simple: we finally got to see this team line up and play ball. It wasn’t the rain-soaked mess of the past; the weather was actually perfect, and more importantly, we got to see the guys we needed to see. Overall, I would count it as a successful scrimmage. Here is what we learned from A-Day 2026.
1. The Fan Turnout
34,276 Fans came to watch the free scrimmage inside of Jordan-Hare Stadium. The turnout was good, but it wasn’t exactly earth-shattering or record-setting. Let’s be real about why: Auburn Football has had some tough seasons lately, and this is a new regime. A hire like Alex Golesh, while solid, isn’t necessarily sending the fanbase into a frenzy just yet. It takes time to build that buzz back up, and the attendance reflected that reality.
2. Entertaining Football & Health
The most important thing? They played ball. The fans got a chance to see the guys they needed to see, and they looked like they were actually playing a real game, not some half-speed all-star exhibition. And even better, Auburn walked away with no major injury concerns—just a bit of wear and tear, nothing that should keep guys out.
3. The Format: Weird, but It Worked
I’ll be honest: before the game, I wasn’t thrilled about the scoring format. But after watching it? It grew on me. It was straight up offense vs defense. It forced the defense to actually go out and compete for those explosive play points rather than just going through the motions. The coaches were clearly engaged in the competition of it all, and it made for a more competitive scrimmage than we’ve seen in the past.
4. The QB Overreaction
Now, let’s talk about the main event. Whenever there is a Spring Game and there is a new quarterback at the helm, everyone wants to see what he has. This game, it was Bryum Brown. Fans got their first chance to see him sling it. Let’s be honest, it was a bit underwhelming. Let’s take it a step further, that is ok because he was being asked to compete without one of his most potent attributes, his ability to run. He isn’t going to overpower defenses this season with his arm, alone. So, what we saw was a QB that was just “ok” out there.
The Bottom Line
Overall? I’m giving this an 8 out of 10. Between the perfect weather, the chance to see this squad fly around for real, and that awesome fan appreciation portion at the end where the players and Golesh stuck around to connect with the folks in the stands—that’s how you build a program.
We’ve got a long way to go, but the foundation is there.