Auburn RB coach Larry Porter wants his entire running back room ready to contribute in 2026. With Jeremiah Cobb, Omar Mabson, Bryson Washington and others competing for roles, Porter is demanding a "starter mentality" throughout fall camp.
The Auburn Tigers will have a deep competition at the running back position in 2026.
And Tigers running back coach Larry Porter doesn't want just three running backs ready to play this season.
He wants all of them.
"I want the whole room," Porter said.
Porter spoke to the media on Wednesday, and considering how Auburn's running back room has developed throughout the offseason, He believes he has more than enough options to make things interesting and competitive this season.
Although Auburn head coach Alex Golesh has mentioned wanting around three or four running backs ready to contribute. Porter isn't putting a number on it. His expectation is that everyone prepares like they're going to play.
"You got to coach the guy at the bottom of the roster just as hard as you coach the guy at the top of the roster," Porter said.
That doesn't mean Auburn is going to give six running backs carries every Saturday.
But injuries happen. Roles change. And the guy who enters the season buried on the depth chart might eventually be needed in a big moment.
That's why Porter wants everyone in his room operating with what he called a "starter mentality."
And as diverse as this room is, each player could possess something unique for the team this year.
Jeremiah Cobb brings SEC experience and a confidence that Porter believes Auburn needs.
Omar Mabson continues to generate buzz because of the consistency he brings every day. Porter said there are "no days off" and "no plays off" with Mabson, something that has earned appreciation from coaches throughout Auburn's staff.
Bryson Washington brings experience after transferring in from the Baylor Bears. However, hasn't truly been able to show his potential with Auburn due to injury. If he can get going and potentially become a late bloomer in the running back room, it could give the offense a second wind once conference play comes around.
Then there's Tay Meadows, who Porter praised for his experience and production.
"In this world of transfer portal, you much rather have production than potential," Porter said.
The challenge is finding roles for everyone.
And that's where special teams could become important.
Porter acknowledged Auburn can't play four, five, or six running backs on offense every week.
But it can play them on special teams.
Alvin Henderson has already started making plays there, and Porter is encouraging everyone in the room to find ways to contribute.
"If you want a bus ticket," Porter said, "you better fight to earn that every single day."
That's essentially what Auburn's running back competition has become.
Not everyone is going to get the same number of carries, nor are they going to get the same amount of playing time inside this new, fast-paced offense, but Porter is adamant about ensuring his entire room is ready for the beginning of the season if an opportunity arises, which, if looking back at the last few years at Auburn, it certainly has, his position group will be ready.
