Auburn's running back room is loaded entering the 2026 season, but one name continues to fly under the radar. While Jeremiah Cobb and the transfer additions receive most of the attention, sophomore Omar Mabson quietly looks poised to become one of the Tigers' biggest breakout candidates under Alex G
The running game for the Auburn Tigers in 2026 is set to be the main attack for Alex Golesh and company. Although quarterback Byrum Brown will be a big part of the that, the Tigers running back room, as deep as it is will also have a big presence as well.
Normally, when the conversation begins regarding the running backs on this roster, Jeremiah Cobb is the main topic, and rightfully so, he has the ability to lead the SEC in rushing this season after taking over the reins as the top guy in the second half of the 2025 season.
After that, the discussion usually shifts toward transfer additions like Bryson Washington, who transferred from the Baylor Bears, Auburn's first opponent this season, or Nykahi Davenport. But one name continues to fly under the radar despite quietly putting together an impressive spring, and that's sophomore Omar Mabson II.
And Mabson may be Auburn's most underrated offensive player entering the season.
Mabson deserves far more attention than he's currently receiving. While many fans view Auburn's backfield as a Cobb-Washington combination, the reality could be much different. Counting the sophomore as an afterthought despite showing plenty of promise last season is probably a mistake.
And it's easy to understand why.
Mabson appeared in 10 games as a true freshman last season, rushing 16 times for 71 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions. His first career touchdown came against Missouri, and he flashed versatility both as a runner and receiver throughout the year. Those numbers won't jump off the page, but they provided valuable SEC experience for one of the youngest players on Auburn's roster.
That's an important detail many fans forget.
Mabson reclassified from the 2026 recruiting class, meaning he's still just 18 years old entering the season and won't turn 19 until shortly before kickoff this fall. Despite his age, reports throughout spring practice suggested he took one of the biggest developmental leaps on the entire offense.
With Washington limited because of injury during spring, Mabson capitalized on the extra opportunities. He consistently worked behind Cobb, received plenty of first-team backup reps, and looked noticeably stronger after adding weight during the offseason.
His upside shouldn't surprise anyone who followed his high school career.
At Auburn High School, Mabson rushed for 2,798 career yards and accounted for 49 total touchdowns. As a junior alone, he ran for 1,515 yards while setting the school record with 29 rushing touchdowns, earning First Team Class 7A All-State honors and Opelika-Auburn News Offensive Player of the Year.
The competition for touches won't be easy. Cobb remains the clear leader of the room, while Washington and Davenport each bring plenty of intrigue. And of course, carries will also be limited due to the type of play quarterback Byrum Brown leads, but Mabson has quietly positioned himself squarely in the battle for Auburn's No. 2 running back role entering fall camp.
Heading into the 2026 season, Omar Mabson checks every one of those boxes. If his spring momentum carries into fall camp, don't be surprised if Auburn's "forgotten" running back becomes one of the Tigers' biggest offensive stories this season.
