Auburn Secures Top-20 Transfer QB Byrum Brown and Edge Rusher Da’Shawn Womack

TL;DR: Auburn lands CBS Sports’ #11 transfer quarterback Byrum Brown and #20 edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack, two of the most highly ranked portal players for the 2026 season.

Auburn’s 2026 roster now includes two of the highest‑rated transfers in the nation. CBS Sports placed quarterback Byrum Brown at #11 and edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack at #20 among all college‑football transfers this cycle. The Tigers added both players as part of head coach Alex Golesh’s 39‑player portal haul.

Brown arrives from South Florida after following his former coach to Auburn. In his final season at USF, he amassed more than 4,000 total yards, exceeded 1,000 rushing yards, and recorded over 40 touchdowns, establishing himself as a dual‑threat quarterback. His production places him among the most prolific transfer QBs in recent years. The primary question is how his skill set will translate against the consistently higher‑caliber defenses of the SEC.

Womack, a junior edge rusher, transferred from Ole Miss after a redshirt year at LSU. In 2025 he logged 27 tackles, 14 solo stops, two sacks and a forced fumble for the Rebels. Though his on‑field résumé is limited, he entered the portal as a four‑star prospect with a five‑star high school pedigree, and analysts project him as a potential replacement for veteran edge rusher Keldric Faulk.

The additions address Auburn’s two most pressing needs. The offense has struggled to score consistently, and Brown’s ability to generate both passing and rushing yards could revitalize the Tigers’ attack. Meanwhile, Womack offers a chance to increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks, a factor that could elevate Auburn’s defensive rankings if he reaches his projected ceiling.

Auburn’s success will hinge on Golesh’s integration of these transfers into his schemes. If Brown adapts quickly to SEC speed and Womack translates his potential into regular sack production, the Tigers could close the gap with the conference’s elite. The next indicator will be the spring game, where both players will receive their first live look at Auburn’s playbook.

What to watch next: Early‑season performance of Brown and Womack in preseason practices and the spring game will signal whether Auburn’s transfer strategy can convert high rankings into on‑field impact.