AUBURN — Auburn football’s Coy Grossner broke his hand as early as Week 2 against New Berlin last season.
The incoming senior receiver and linebacker still appeared in every game and encapsulated his team’s fortitude amid an uncharacteristic 0-9 season.
The Trojans pressed ahead with an unwavering belief that the experience would provide them the means to flourish in 2026. The arduous wait is now almost over.
“Obviously everyone knows we didn’t have a good season last year,” Grossner said, “but we powered through. We finished every game. We’ve been coming out here all summer giving everything we’ve got.
“The mentality’s up. Everyone’s working 100% out here, so I think this year is going to be a big flip.”
Last season was unlike anything coach and 2010 alum Ryan Gardner had ever experienced as a player and coach.
Injuries sidetracked the Trojans — a playoff mainstay over the last 40 years — even before Week 1. They notably lost then-senior quarterback Peyton Campbell with an ACL tear, not to mention returning senior lineman Gabe Marquette with a broken collarbone.
Then there was Grossner with a cast on his dominant hand, and Auburn was forced to deviate from its customary spread offense until midway through the season.
A big upside is that Gardner estimates that 22 players now hail varsity experience. That includes returning senior running back and nose tackle Chance Crissey, who rushed for 1,181 yards and 12 touchdowns on 215 carries last season.
Crissey said everyone last year had to adapt and mature quickly.
“There’s a lot of confidence this year compared to the last couple of seasons,” said Crissey, now accompanied by senior transfer quarterback Beau Chance. “Everything feels like it’s put together and everybody’s clicking together. We know what’s going on. We’re a little older than we have been.”
Gardner said his kids are not only old enough to drive, but also stronger and faster.
“They got thrown in the fire before they were ready,” Gardner said. “Now they know how to lead others.”
Said Grossner, “This is a completely different team than it was last year. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”
Here are other top potential sleeper teams in the Springfield area.
Havana
The Ducks may be on the verge of their first season with at least five wins since 2019. They return seven starters on offense and nine on defense. A plethora of options are available after graduating senior receiver Carter Brooks. They include junior quarterback and free safety Jack Turner; senior receiver and corner back Caleb McDaniel; junior running back and linebacker Carson Tyler; senior running back and defensive back Brock Ellett; and junior tight end and defensive end Drake Stephens.
Jacksonville
The Crimsons ascended to their fourth playoff berth in five years, where they knocked off No. 1 seed Olney Richland County in the Class 4A opening round before settling at 6-5. And they have plenty to buzz about under longtime coach Mark Grounds. Returning running backs Jeremiah Jackson (870 yards, 5 TDs), Darren Henry (617 yards, 9 TDs) and Terrion Jackson (585 yards, 6 TDs) return with more than 2,000 combined rushing yards from last season.
Jacksonville Routt
The Rockets promoted Brett Gilbreth as head coach and return seven starters on both offense and defense after going 1-8 last season. Routt had previously reached at least five wins in two of the last four seasons, including 8-3 in 2022 under then head coach Barry Creviston. Returning starters include quarterback and linebacker Anson Butcher; receiver and defensive back Nolan Mossman; and running back and linebacker Jackson Place, to name a few.
North Mac
The Panthers have been a staple in the playoffs ever since the consolidation between Virden and Girard. Under new head coach Nathan Wise, North Mac returns six starters on both sides of the ball. They include senior receiver and defensive back Clark Sanson; senior running back and linebacker Tripp Ford; and junior quarterback and defensive back Carson Powell after achieving three wins last fall.
Riverton
The Hawks will attempt to soar up the Sangamo Conference standings following a forfeited season in 2024 and two wins in 2025. Senior quarterback and free safety Gradyn Hartlaub as well as senior tight end and middle linebacker Ethan Giberson will continue to carry the mantle in a season that coach Colton Piper said his staff has been waiting for over a long period. Hartlaub was all-Sangamo Conference first team both ways.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Why Auburn football is poised for a comeback in 2026
Reporting by Bill Welt, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Bill Welt, Springfield State Journal-Register | USA TODAY Network
