On the Plains with Jack Leyrer: Here to do work

Texas native Jack Leyrer is geared up to take on his final year of collegiate football on the Plains.

A highly rated offensive tackle out of Highland Park High School in Dallas, Leyrer reflected on his football career, giving credit to those who have influenced him along the way.

“I had a really strong community, geared towards people playing football,” Leyrer said. “It was a special place to play (Highland Park), I really enjoyed it. Those guys, my two high school offensive linemen coaches, Coach (James) Farnsley and Coach (Grayson) Wells, made me into the offensive lineman I am today and all the lessons that come with that, both on and off the football field.”

One of those influences was his mom Shannan, who encouraged her son to be the best version of himself, driving to and from practices and various training camps. Her encouragement helped him to excel on and off the field. 

“I ended up at Stanford to have the best combination of football and academics,” Leyrer said. “I went that route and she was probably the biggest influence on that, which I appreciate her for dearly. I love my parents. They sacrificed a lot to put me in the position that I am today and I'm eternally grateful for it.”

Leyrer’s five years in California led to 16 starts on the offensive line for the Cardinal, having seen playing time in 26 games. After completing his degree in Science, Technology and Society and having another year of eligibility because of injuries, Leyrer was ready for a change of scenery.

“I came to Auburn thinking I want to be the best football player I possibly can be,” Leyrer said. “From the moment I got on campus, this town revolves around the football team and the athletic department and how special that is. I haven't really felt that in my career. It's just really great to see the buy-in from the community and know how much that they care. I think that's very special.”

Leyrer is looking forward to working with Auburn’s new staff under head coach Alex Golesh.

“Coach Golesh is probably one of the most dynamic coaches I've ever played for,” Leyrer said. “He cares about all of his players individually, which is special. He's the type of guy that when he says, be who you say you are, you can feel it out of this building and that's what is driving the culture.”

With just one year left in college, football is not something Leyrer is willing to give up easily.

“Playing football is what I want to do,” he said. “After the fact, I think a career in finance or consulting or something along those lines is what I'd like to pursue after. I definitely want to keep playing football as long as I can.”

Leyrer’s football career has not been without its own challenges. Plagued with injuries, Leyrer has used his experience to his advantage and chooses to see the light in the dark. 

“Injuries give you a lot of perspective on what is important and what's not,” Leyrer said. “Seeing people on the field while you're on the sideline, battling something that is out of your control, is tough and makes you realize what you really love about football.

“It really forces you to reflect on what's great about football and why I do this. It's the relationships, it's the team, it's the locker room. I think winning with those people that you've made those relationships with is what makes the game so special and that's why I'm still doing it and why it's so important to me."

As the 2026 season approaches, Leyrer prepares daily.

“You live within the details and understand what you need to do on a daily basis,” Leyrer said. “Preparation and what you do daily kind of goes hand in hand. That's just what you do.”

As an upperclassman, Leyrer has seen all there is to see in college football. He credits the talented athletes he has learned from over the years and he now leans into these experiences, sharing them with younger teammates.

“It really is a brotherhood,” Leyrer said. “We're going to war every day. You have the guys next to you and those are the relationships you build. You bond over the tough times and over the good times. That's what makes football special. The guys that you bring along with you and the guys that brought you along. It's a special game where you rely on everybody on the team and the team is what makes football special.

“It really is five guys on the offensive line to do one mission and you got to trust everybody and trust is what makes the offensive line move.”

Leyrer and his group of linemen are looking forward to proving themselves this fall in his college football finale.

“We are here to do work,” he said. “We are here to win. We just want to see the scoreboard and have us on top.”