The 2026 football season for the Auburn Tigers is on the horizon. As we anticipate the start of the season, let's introduce you to a key member of the 2026 roster.
The starting tight end battle in Auburn remains wide open ahead of the 2026 season, but that could be a good thing. One of the top contenders for the job is one of 13 players to follow head coach Alex Golesh to Auburn from USF, Jonathan Echols. Echols split time at tight end in USF's offense last season by playing 139 snaps at the position, where he showcased his skills as a pass blocker and a receiver. He allowed just one sack last season and snagged nine catches for 109 yards and three scores. He set the tone of his career early by scoring a touchdown on his only catch as a true freshman in 2024, a 59-yard catch in USF's win over Tulsa.
He has impressed several people during fall camp and has the chance to take over the position thanks to his 6-6, 235-pound frame, but he is in a fierce battle with two other tight ends who bring similar experience to the table: Jake Johnson and Arlis Boardingham. Will Echols emerge as TE1 by Auburn's season opener?
Get to know Auburn tight end Jonathan Echols by checking out his 2026 Auburn football player profile below.
Jonathan Echols player profile
- Position: Tight end
- Hometown: Franklin, Georgia
- High School: IMG Academy
- Previous college team: USF
- Height: 6-6
- Weight: 235
- Class: Sophomore
Jonathan Echols as a recruit
- Recruiting class: 2024
- Signed with: USF
- Position rank: No. 18
- State rank: No. 36
- Rating: Four-star
- Other schools in the mix: Tennessee, Florida, Miami
Jonathan Echols' career stats
| Years | GP | GS | Catches | Yards | TD |
| 2024 (USF) | 3 | 0 | 1 | 59 | 1 |
| 2025 (USF) | 10 | 8 | 9 | 109 | 3 |
| Totals | 13 | 8 | 10 | 168 | 4 |
Jonathan Echols' PFF report card
- 2024 (USF): 60.3
- 2025 (USF): 58.1
- Strengths: Pass blocking (76.3 grade in 2025), Pressures allowed (1 in 2025), Drops (1 in 2025)
Check out our other Auburn football player previews
Auburn Wire is preparing for the 2026 season by profiling several notable players. Check out the 2026 player profile of your favorite player below.
- K Alex McPherson
- S Anquon Fegans
- S Eric Winters
- S Sylvester Smith-Reed
- S Champ Anthony
- CB Rayshawn Pleasant
- CB Andre Jordan Jr.
- LB Bryce Deas
- LB Demarcus Riddick
- LB Elijah Melendez
- LB Xavier Atkins
- EDGE Da'shawn Womack
- EDGE Jared Smith
- DL Walter Mathis Jr
- DL Dallas Walker IV
- DL Malik Autry
- DL Jourdin Crawford
- DL Cody Sigler
- DL Saint Farrior
- DE Chris Murray
- OL Stanton Ramil
- OL Jacob Strand
- OL Deryc Plazz
- OL Jack Leyrer
- OL Cole Best
- OL Kail Ellis
- OL Cole Skinner
- OL Jo Simmons
- TE Jake Johnson
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Player profile: Jonathan Echols' size makes him a top offensive threat