New Auburn Coach Admits Seeking Eligibility Loopholes

Alex Golesh says he's looking for any edge to bring the Tigers back to the top of college football.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:47pm

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New Auburn head coach Alex Golesh has acknowledged that he is actively searching for eligibility loopholes that could allow him to bring in talent from unconventional sources, including the professional ranks, to help rebuild the Tigers' program. Golesh says the rapidly evolving landscape of college sports has led him to explore every possible avenue to find players who can contribute immediately.

Why it matters

Auburn is under pressure to return to the upper echelon of college football after a down period, and Golesh is willing to push the boundaries of eligibility rules to accelerate that process. His comments highlight the increasingly competitive nature of recruiting and roster-building in the modern game.

The details

Golesh pointed to the recent case of Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako, who was able to play for the Crimson Tide despite previously signing a two-way NBA contract. The Auburn coach said he is closely monitoring such situations, stating "every single time there's a situation like that, my antennas go up." While Golesh acknowledged the difficulty of bringing in players from the professional ranks, he indicated he is open to exploring any potential loopholes that could allow him to do so.

  • Golesh made these comments to the media on January 30, 2026.

The players

Alex Golesh

The new head football coach at Auburn University, tasked with reviving the Tigers' program.

Charles Bediako

An Alabama basketball player who was able to play for the Crimson Tide despite previously signing a two-way NBA contract.

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What they’re saying

“College football has evolved so fast, and every single time there's a situation like that, my antennas go up. I think with every change, every ruling, or lack of ruling, you've got an opportunity to either sit and complain about it, which I think we tend to do as coaches.”

— Alex Golesh, Head Coach, Auburn University

What’s next

Golesh and his staff will continue to monitor the evolving eligibility landscape in college sports, looking for any potential loopholes or opportunities to bring in talent that could help Auburn return to prominence.

The takeaway

Golesh's willingness to explore unconventional avenues for acquiring eligible players underscores the intense pressure and competitive environment facing major college football programs. His comments highlight the lengths coaches will go to in order to gain an edge and rebuild struggling programs.