Auburn fans were excited to watch USF transfer quarterback Byrum Brown for the first time in the orange and blue during last Saturday's A-Day game. However, it was Auburn's backup quarterback who stole the show.

Auburn's rebuilt quarterback room featured three transfers and a freshman signee, with Brown leading the way. However, Auburn fans can find peace knowing that its expected backup has what it takes to lead the team down the field.

Oregon State transfer Tristan Ti'a proved that point early in Saturday's A-Day game by leading the Tigers' second team offense on a seven-play, 83-yard drive that ended with a 28-yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman wide receiver Duke Smith. During the drive, he completed four passes, with three resulting in gains of over 14 yards. He ended the day going 15-for-20 passing for 179 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also added a touchdown on the ground.

"It was good to see Tristan operate," Auburn head coach Alex Golesh said postgame. "He's had his ups and downs. He's a baby. Like he's a freshman. He played five games in the fall (at Oregon State). There's so many traits there. He's highly, highly intelligent. He's got a pretty ball. He's really accurate. You saw him run around a little bit today. That was good to see."

Ti'a's performance may have come as a surprise to several, but not to him, as he proved that placing his trust in the Auburn coaching staff during his time in the transfer portal has brought out the best version of himself.

"When I was in the portal, (Auburn was) pretty heavy after me. They made it clear that they really wanted me and that gave me a good feeling of comfort, and just on the visit here, they showed me everything that I needed, everything that I would want."

Ti'a continued by saying that Auburn's coaching staff is living up to its recruiting pitch. Every word, every action has been true, which brings Ti'a comfort in knowing that he is in the right place.

"Nothing changed from the visit. They were true to their word, which is something that I really respected and followed. Like the way they coached, the way they brought the daily schedules, everything," Ti'a said. "Everything was intentional with what they were doing. And that just made it easier for me just to be able to follow their game plans, follow whatever they're coaching, and just being able to apply it to knowing myself and my teammates and on the field."

Ti'a joins Auburn's roster as a redshirt freshman after spending the 2025 season at Oregon State, where he completed 70% of his passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns. Most of his numbers were from Oregon State's game at Washington State in November, when he passed for 240 yards and a touchdown.

The Auburn quarterback race appears to be settled this season. However, expect Ti'a to be a major candidate for the 2027 race that is expected to include USF transfer Locklan Hewlett, true freshman Rhys Brush, and possibly a 2027 high school signee.

Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh leads his team during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) greets fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Aubie leads Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Fans greet players during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers players walk the field before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers players walk the field before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) warms up before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and head coach Alex Golesh talk during warm ups before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) celebrates a run during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) celebrates his touchdown run during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers running back Nykahi Davenport (24) scores a touchdown during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and head coach Alex Golesh talk during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers wide receiver Brady Marchese (12) catches the ball out of bounds during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers wide receiver DeShawn Spencer (9) turns up field during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) hands the ball off to running back Omar Mabson II (29) during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Fans swag surf during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrates his 55-yard field goal during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) drops a pass during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) celebrates his touchdown catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) turns up field after a catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) turns up field after a catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers tight end Xavier Newsom (83) catches a pass during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers offensive coordinator Joel Gordon runs drills with Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrates his 55-yard field goal with head coach Alex Golesh during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) makes a 55-yard field goal during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) and Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) celebrate the start of the fourth quarter during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers running back Nykahi Davenport (24) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) kicks an extra-point during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) celebrates his touchdown catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Tai Buster (71) blocks Auburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Aubie high fives fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) throws the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Auburn Tigers quarterback Rhys Brush (19) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.1 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh leads his team during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.1 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh leads his team during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.2 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) greets fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.3 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAubie leads Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.4 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.5 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendFans greet players during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.6 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.7 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers players greet fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.8 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers players walk the field before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.9 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers players walk the field before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.10 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) warms up before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.11 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and head coach Alex Golesh talk during warm ups before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.12 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) celebrates a run during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.13 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) celebrates his touchdown run during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.14 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.15 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.16 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers running back Nykahi Davenport (24) scores a touchdown during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.17 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and head coach Alex Golesh talk during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.18 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers wide receiver Brady Marchese (12) catches the ball out of bounds during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.19 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers wide receiver DeShawn Spencer (9) turns up field during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.20 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) hands the ball off to running back Omar Mabson II (29) during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.21 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendFans swag surf during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.22 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrates his 55-yard field goal during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.23 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) drops a pass during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.24 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) celebrates his touchdown catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.25 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) turns up field after a catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.26 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) turns up field after a catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.27 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers tight end Xavier Newsom (83) catches a pass during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.28 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers offensive coordinator Joel Gordon runs drills with Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.29 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrates his 55-yard field goal with head coach Alex Golesh during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.30 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) makes a 55-yard field goal during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.31 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) and Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) celebrate the start of the fourth quarter during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.32 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers running back Nykahi Davenport (24) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.33 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.34 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) kicks an extra-point during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.35 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.36 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers wide receiver Duke Smith (10) celebrates his touchdown catch during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.37 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers offensive lineman Tai Buster (71) blocks Auburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.38 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAubie high fives fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.39 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Tristan Ti'a (10) throws the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.40 / 40Photos: Best images from Auburn A-Day WeekendAuburn Tigers quarterback Rhys Brush (19) runs the ball during Auburn Tigers A-Day spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, April 18, 2026.Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. 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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football: How Alex Golesh won over QB Tristian Ti'a