Auburn Adds Troy Standout Tae Meadows to Bolster 2026 Backfield

January 23, 2026 - AUBURN - Auburn's running back room just got deeper and more dynamic with the addition of Tae Meadows, the leading rusher from Troy University in 2025. Meadows officially signed with the Tigers on January 23, bringing SEC experience, in‑state ties, and proven production to a backfield already brimming with talent.

From Roanoke to the Plains

Meadows, a native of Roanoke, Alabama, began his college career at Troy as a walk‑on in 2022. After redshirting and seeing limited action in 2023 and 2024, he broke out in 2025 with 695 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 159 carries. He also added 11 receptions for 64 yards, showcasing versatility as a runner and receiver.

His season opened with a bang - 186 yards and a touchdown in Troy's win over Nicholls State - and while offensive line struggles limited his yardage in later games, Meadows helped guide the Trojans to a Sun Belt Championship appearance.

Auburn's Transfer Strategy

Under new head coach Alex Golesh, Auburn has aggressively reshaped its offensive identity. Meadows joins a revamped running back room that now includes:

- Jeremiah Cobb – Auburn's 2025 leading rusher (969 yards, 5 TDs)

- Bryson Washington – Baylor transfer with 1,816 yards and 18 TDs over two seasons

- Nykahi Davenport – South Florida's top rusher in 2025 (612 yards, 7 TDs)

- Omar Mabson II and Alvin Henderson – promising young backs already on the roster

With quarterback Byrum Brown also transferring in from South Florida - bringing 1,008 rushing yards and 14 TDs of his own - Auburn's ground game is poised to become one of the most diverse and dangerous in the SEC.

Fit and Future

Meadows arrives with one year of eligibility and a chip on his shoulder. His journey from walk‑on to starter at Troy mirrors the kind of grit Auburn fans admire. He's expected to compete for rotational carries and special teams work, with the potential to carve out a third‑down or change‑of‑pace role.

For Auburn, the signing adds depth, experience, and a local success story to a backfield that could define the 2026 season.

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