​Four Auburn players have earned recognition from one of the top preseason college football magazines. Athlon Sports has placed linebacker Xavier Atkins, running back Jeremiah Cobb, cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant, and defensive lineman Cody Sigler on its Preseason All-SEC teams. Both Atkins and Pleasant earned spots on the Athlon Sports All-SEC First Team, underscoring the strong expectations for Auburn’s defense and secondary as the 2026 season approaches.
Atkins is poised to appear on many preseason lists, given the impact he had for the Tigers last year. He emerged as a surprising standout, boosting Auburn’s defense with a relentless effort that translated into 84 total tackles and nine sacks on the season. His production and leadership on the field helped anchor a unit that played a pivotal role in Auburn’s success. As Auburn moves toward the new year, Atkins’ continued emergence could place him among the nation’s most talked-about linebackers, with scouts and fans alike keeping a close eye on his performance in the upcoming campaigns.
Pleasant also demonstrated his versatility and playmaking ability last season. He distinguished himself not only as a cornerback, but also as a dangerous return specialist. The senior defender delivered a highlight-worthy moment with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Baylor in the season opener, and he added two interceptions in a standout performance against Arkansas. Pleasant’s all-around impact on defense and special teams makes him a valuable asset for Auburn, contributing to both pass defense and field position advantages.
Cobb earned a spot on the third team, coming tantalizingly close to 1,000 rushing yards in his first year as the lead back. He accumulated 969 rushing yards and five touchdowns, demonstrating that he could be the centerpiece of Auburn’s rushing attack for years to come. Cobb’s familiarity with the offensive system, combined with his vision and running style, positions him as a cornerstone of the Tigers’ plans for a potent ground game. With Cobb returning to the lineup alongside emerging talents, Auburn could boast one of the SEC’s most explosive and balanced rushing attacks. In addition to Cobb, the Tigers will add depth at running back with newcomers Bryson Washington and Nykahi Davenport, both expected to contribute to the rotation and help sustain a high-tempo, physical ground game.
Sigler’s addition promises to strengthen Auburn’s interior rush and overall defensive depth. After a productive stint at Arkansas State, where he posted 35 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks, Sigler brings experience and production to Auburn’s defensive line. He also contributed six passes defended and one forced fumble during his time with the Red Wolves, evidence of his ability to disrupt plays in multiple phases of the game. If Sigler can translate his success to the college level in the SEC, he could become a disruptive force along Auburn’s defensive line and a key factor in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
This coverage comes as part of ongoing updates on Auburn football, with additional reporting and analysis available through Auburn Wire. Readers can stay informed by following us on social media: X (Twitter) at @TheAuburnWire for the latest updates, notes, and coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. Phillip Jordan can also be followed on X at @PJordanSports for further insights and analysis. This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire and has been revised to emphasize the preseason All-SEC honors for four Auburn players and their potential impact on the 2026 season.