Brilyn Hollyhand, youth advisory council chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), has announced that he will attend Auburn University this fall—a major decision for the Tuscaloosa native who has spent his teenage years at the center of conservative politics.
Hollyhand, 18, has served as chairman of the Republican National Committee’s Youth Advisory Council and is the author of the bestselling book One Generation Away. He is also the host of The Brilyn Hollyhand Show, where he’s interviewed political heavyweights from across the country.
But when it came time to choose a college, he made a decision rooted in his vision for the state he calls home.
“Being born and raised in Tuscaloosa, we’re trained that Auburn’s the bad guys,” Hollyhand said. “But when I started thinking about where I wanted to spend the next four years, I thought about broadening my horizons… trying somewhere else, at least for four years.”
During the 2024 election cycle, Hollyhand spoke at 10 college campuses across the country. Auburn stood out — not just for its academic offerings, but for the people.
“I fell in love with Auburn,” he said. “I spoke there twice last fall, and the second time I was there, it really, really sold me. I got to speak to both their Turning Point chapter and the [College Republicans] chapter. And something special is happening at Auburn, and I just want to be a part of it.”
One of the key moments came during a sit-down interview with Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl, whom Hollyhand describes as a mentor and major influence. The two connected after Pearl emerged as a growing voice in political discourse.
“Coach Pearl told me I was an Auburn man. I laughed at the time—I’m from Tuscaloosa,” Hollyhand said. “But that conversation stayed with me. And he’s stayed in touch ever since.”
Though he’s spent his high school years embedded in politics and cheering for the Crimson Tide — “I haven’t missed an Alabama home game in three seasons” — Hollyhand said he was looking for something different in a college environment.
“What I saw on campuses when I was tailgating… that’s not the culture nor the community nor the family that I really want to be a part of here in Tuscaloosa,” he said. “When I went and visited Auburn… that is the vibe and the family and the community that I want to be a part of.”
Hollyhand plans to major in political science, a decision he said was solidified after spending time with Auburn faculty.
Though he’s aware his national profile may draw attention, Hollyhand said he’s focused on contributing to the community, not disrupting it.
“I want to be as involved as I can be in a helpful way—not in a harmful way,” he said. “I’m not slowing down at all with my career… But the Auburn Family that I’ve come to know and love in the past few months is a loving, compassionate group of people that—even the ones that disagree with me—are still saying ‘War Eagle’ and welcoming me to campus.”
With this next chapter on The Plains, Hollyhand said he hopes to continue serving Alabama—and shaping the future of conservative leadership from right here in his home state.
Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].
