First Call | Auburn Just PROVED Alex Golesh’s Biggest Message Wasn’t Talk

The Auburn Daily Network · Sep 9, 2026 · 12m

Auburn spent the entire offseason hearing Alex Golesh talk about leadership.

Becoming player-led.

Next-man-up.

Responding when something goes wrong.

Against Baylor?

Those weren't offseason talking points anymore.

Auburn actually had to prove them.

And three examples from the Tigers' 17-16 win should have Auburn fans encouraged about what Golesh is building.

Start with Elijah Melendez.

The sophomore linebacker was selected as one of Auburn's captains, and Golesh said the defense CHEERED when his name was announced.

Then Melendez went out and recorded 12 tackles.

That's not just a coaching…