Ex-South Florida QB Brown transferring to Auburn

Former South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown is transferring to Auburn, his agency told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Brown follows his former coach, Alex Golesh, from the Bulls to the Tigers. Brown will be among the highest-paid players in college football next season, according to Thamel.

Golesh took the Auburn job in late November after a three-year run at South Florida. Brown entered the transfer portal following the 2025 season and made an official visit to the Tigers on Jan. 3.

Brown spent the last four seasons at South Florida after committing in 2022 as a three-star recruit. Golesh named him starting quarterback in 2023, and he played in 35 games with the Bulls.

The 21-year-old had an incredible 2025 season, recording 3,158 passing yards with 28 touchdown passes to seven interceptions. He was also an elite threat on the ground, posting 1,008 rushing yards and 14 rushing scores. He helped lead South Florida to a 9-3 regular-season record before sitting out the Cure Bowl.

Brown projects to start for Auburn in 2026 with the Tigers coming off a disappointing 5-7 campaign. They struggled to get consistent quarterback play all year, as three different signal-callers started at least one game.