Auburn Football HC Alex Golesh Trolls Alabama Over Losing to Tennessee

Golesh pokes fun at Alabama's use of G League player Charles Bediako in loss to Tennessee

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:39pm

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In a media session at the Senior Bowl, new Auburn football head coach Alex Golesh took a jab at Alabama over their loss to Tennessee, referencing the controversial return of Crimson Tide center Charles Bediako from the G League.

Why it matters

The matchup between Alabama and Tennessee has become a heated rivalry, with the Volunteers' recent win over the Crimson Tide sparking widespread interest and support from neutral fans. Golesh's comments add another layer of intrigue to the ongoing feud between the two SEC powerhouses.

The details

Bediako, a sophomore center for Alabama, was allowed to return to the college game after over two years in the G League, a move the NCAA deemed illegal. However, a Tuscaloosa County judge granted Bediako a temporary restraining order, allowing him to play against Tennessee. Golesh, the new Auburn head coach, seized the opportunity to poke fun at Alabama's loss, saying "Certainly fascinating from a legal side. Fascinating. How did it work out for them last weekend?"

  • On January 28, 2026, Alabama center Charles Bediako played his first college game since the 2023 Sweet 16, returning to the court after over two years in the G League.
  • On January 29, 2026, new Auburn football head coach Alex Golesh commented on Bediako's return and Alabama's loss to Tennessee during a media session at the Senior Bowl.

The players

Alex Golesh

The new head coach of the Auburn football team, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at Tennessee under Josh Heupel.

Charles Bediako

A sophomore center for the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team, who was allowed to return to college basketball after over two years in the G League, a move the NCAA deemed illegal.

Alabama Crimson Tide

The men's basketball team of the University of Alabama, who lost to the Tennessee Volunteers on January 28, 2026.

Tennessee Volunteers

The men's basketball team of the University of Tennessee, who defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide on January 28, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Certainly fascinating from a legal side. Fascinating. How did it work out for them last weekend?”

— Alex Golesh, Auburn Football Head Coach (rockytopinsider.com)

What’s next

The NCAA has requested a delay in the Bediako hearing, with the courts extending his temporary restraining order by 10 days. Alabama is scheduled to host Tennessee again on February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

Golesh's comments highlight the ongoing rivalry between Auburn and Alabama, as well as the broader controversy surrounding Bediako's return to college basketball. The situation raises questions about the NCAA's rules and the role of the courts in college sports.