Former USF QB Byrum Brown Transfers to Auburn

The 4,000-yard passer looks to make an impact in the SEC after standout career with the Bulls.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Byrum Brown, a former standout quarterback at the University of South Florida, has transferred to Auburn University for his final season of college eligibility. Brown, who passed for over 3,000 yards in each of his last two seasons with the Bulls, will look to translate his success to the SEC level as he joins new Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze's program.

Why it matters

Brown's transfer to a major SEC program like Auburn will put him on a bigger stage and give him the opportunity to showcase his skills against top-tier competition. His ability to excel in the more challenging SEC environment could boost his NFL draft stock and provide a boost to an Auburn team looking to rebound after a down year.

The details

Brown, a 6-foot-3, 231-pound quarterback, was a three-year starter at USF, where he thrived in the Bulls' offense. In his final season, he passed for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,008 yards and 14 scores, earning All-AAC Second Team honors. He will now look to translate that production to the SEC level as he joins new Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze's program.

  • Brown entered the transfer portal in January 2026 after USF head coach Alex Golesh left to take the Auburn job.
  • Brown officially committed to Auburn in late January 2026 and will have one season of eligibility with the Tigers.

The players

Byrum Brown

A 6-foot-3, 231-pound quarterback who passed for over 3,000 yards in each of his last two seasons at the University of South Florida.

Hugh Freeze

The new head coach at Auburn University, who is tasked with rebuilding the Tigers' program after a down year.

Alex Golesh

The former head coach at the University of South Florida, who left to take the offensive coordinator job at Auburn under Hugh Freeze.

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What they’re saying

“I've attended a few Byrum Brown games at South Florida the last couple of seasons, and I'm excited to watch what he's able to do at Auburn and in the SEC. There's no question it's a different game than playing in the American Conference, but Brown is one of the most exciting players in college football when he's at his best.”

— Harry Lyles Jr., ESPN College Football Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

Brown will have the opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback job at Auburn during spring practice and fall camp, with the goal of leading the Tigers' offense in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Byrum Brown's transfer from USF to Auburn provides the talented quarterback with a chance to showcase his skills on a bigger stage in the SEC. If he can successfully translate his production to the more competitive conference, it could boost his NFL draft stock and help turn around an Auburn program looking to rebound after a down year.