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Auburn Football: What the Rest of the 2026 Slate Looks Like

Auburn football enters its bye week with a 3-2 record and an unforgiving stretch ahead. October and November hold seven games, and four of them are against ranked opponents. How the Tigers handle this run will probably define Alex Golesh’s first season on the Plains.

The Remaining Schedule

DateOpponentSiteKickoff
Oct. 17at No. 2 GeorgiaAthens, GA3:30 PM ET
Oct. 24vs. No. 10 LSUAuburn, AL12:00 PM ET
Oct. 31at No. 9 Ole MissOxford, MSTBD
Nov. 7vs. ArkansasAuburn, ALTBD
Nov. 14at Mississippi StateStarkville, MSTBD
Nov. 21vs. SamfordAuburn, ALTBD
Nov. 28at Alabama (Iron Bowl)Tuscaloosa, ALTBD

Kickoff times beyond the Georgia and LSU games are still being finalized, so check the SEC and network announcements before planning your Saturdays.

Who Is Driving the Team

Byrum Brown, quarterback. The USF transfer runs the Veer and Shoot attack and has made his dual-threat reputation felt. Against Tennessee he ran for 107 yards and a touchdown while an aggressive Vols pass rush harried him all afternoon.

Omar Mabson II and Jeremiah Cobb, running backs. They share the load behind Brown. Mabson II gained 62 yards on nine carries in the most recent game.

Xavier Atkins, linebacker. Atkins piled up 11 tackles and an interception against Tennessee.

Da’Shawn Womack, defensive end. Womack has two sacks and three tackles for loss, and he has been a persistent disruptor up front.

Both units have shown real flashes. The question is whether they can sustain them against SEC opposition of this caliber.

Auburn Tigers Football: Season Snapshot and Outlook

Auburn Tigers football sits at 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the SEC after a 24-14 loss at Tennessee. First-year head coach Alex Golesh has used the off week to regroup, and he needs it. The record shows a team that is competitive but not yet consistent.

How the Season Has Unfolded

  • Sep. 5: Beat Baylor 17-16 in Atlanta, a one-point escape at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
  • Sep. 12: Routed Southern Miss 43-8 at Jordan-Hare.
  • Sep. 19: Lost a shootout to Florida, 44-39.
  • Sep. 26: Held off Vanderbilt 21-15.
  • Oct. 3: Fell 24-14 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

The Florida game is the most telling. Scoring 39 points should win most Saturdays, but the defense gave up 44.

The Case for Optimism

The defense has a real identity. Ole Miss transfer Da’Shawn Womack recorded back-to-back sacks in Knoxville, and the linebacker room, with Xavier Atkins and Eric Winters, is stout. Quarterback Byrum Brown gives the offense a playmaker who can rescue broken plays.

The Case for Concern

Offensive inconsistency and costly turnovers are the main obstacles, and Golesh knows it. Good teams survive an occasional giveaway, but a team facing this schedule rarely does.

What Is at Stake

The Tigers need to reach six wins to become bowl eligible, which would be their first post season appearance since 2023. First up after the break is Georgia, in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. Auburn then returns home for LSU before heading to Oxford, so there is little room for a slow start.

Auburn University Football: Tradition, Identity and the Golesh Era

Auburn University football is one of the most storied programs in the sport. The Tigers compete in the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision as members of the Southeastern Conference, and they play home games at Jordan-Hare Stadium, which holds 88,043 on “The Plains” in Auburn, Alabama. Alex Golesh is the program’s first-year head coach. Fans following the Auburn football schedule can track the team’s weekly matchups, broadcast details, and game results throughout the season.

A Program Built on Legacy

Football at Auburn dates to 1892, and the program has a résumé to match its age: 12 undefeated seasons and 16 conference titles. Its traditions are just as famous. A live eagle soars over the stadium before kickoff, and fans line the route for the Tiger Walk as the players arrive.

Inside the Golesh System

Golesh and offensive coordinator Joel Gordon run a high-tempo scheme built on speed and volume. Sophomore running back Omar Mabson II has emerged as an essential playmaker in it, and he complements dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown.

Statistical Leaders

  • Byrum Brown (QB): 896 passing yards and 237 rushing yards
  • Keshaun Singleton (WR): 268 receiving yards, the top mark on the roster
  • Elijah Melendez (LB): 34 tackles
  • Xavier Atkins (LB): a cornerstone of the defense alongside Melendez

Game-by-Game Results

DateOpponentResultOverall (SEC)Standout
Sep. 5Baylor (Atlanta)W 17-161-0 (0-0)Brown: 259 passing yds
Sep. 12Southern MissW 43-82-0 (0-0)Mabson II: 108 rushing yds
Sep. 19FloridaL 44-392-1 (0-1)Brown: 271 passing yds, 4 total TDs
Sep. 26VanderbiltW 21-153-1 (1-1)Cobb: 58 rushing yds
Oct. 3at No. 17 TennesseeL 24-143-2 (1-2)Brown: 107 rushing yds, 1 TD

The Road Ahead

The remaining games are against No. 2 Georgia, No. 10 LSU, No. 9 Ole Miss, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Samford, and No. 6 Alabama in the Iron Bowl. That is a lot for any program to absorb in six weeks, but the coming stretch will show what Golesh’s Auburn is made of.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Auburn football’s record in 2026?

Auburn stands at 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the SEC. The Tigers have defeated Baylor, Southern Miss and Vanderbilt, and fallen to Florida and Tennessee. They are currently on a bye week.

Who is the head coach of Auburn Tigers football?

Alex Golesh is in his first season leading the program. Joel Gordon is the offensive coordinator, and together they run a high-tempo scheme.

Who is Auburn’s starting quarterback?

Byrum Brown, a transfer from USF, is the starter. Through five games he has 896 passing yards and 237 rushing yards, and he ran for 107 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee.

When is Auburn’s next game?

Auburn travels to face No. 2 Georgia on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Athens. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET (2:30 PM CT). Rankings and kickoff times can shift, so confirm with the SEC or the broadcast network.

When does Auburn play LSU?

Auburn hosts No. 10 LSU on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The listed kickoff is 12:00 PM ET.

What is Auburn’s remaining 2026 schedule?

Seven games remain:

  • Oct. 17: at Georgia
  • Oct. 24: vs. LSU
  • Oct. 31: at Ole Miss
  • Nov. 7: vs. Arkansas
  • Nov. 14: at Mississippi State
  • Nov. 21: vs. Samford
  • Nov. 28: at Alabama (Iron Bowl)

Kickoff times for most of these games have not been finalized.

Where does Auburn University football play its home games?

Home games are played at Jordan-Hare Stadium on “The Plains” in Auburn, Alabama. The stadium seats 88,043.

Who are the standout players on Auburn’s roster?

On offense, Byrum Brown leads the way, with running back Omar Mabson II and receiver Keshaun Singleton (268 receiving yards) in support. On defense, linebackers Xavier Atkins and Elijah Melendez (34 tackles) hold the middle together, and edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack, an Ole Miss transfer, recorded back-to-back sacks against Tennessee.

Can Auburn still reach a bowl game?

Yes. A team needs six wins to become bowl eligible, so Auburn needs three more victories from its final seven games. That would be its first bowl appearance since 2023.

What is the Iron Bowl?

The Iron Bowl is the annual rivalry game between Auburn and Alabama. This season it is played Saturday, Nov. 28, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

What are the most famous Auburn football traditions?

The pre-game flight of the eagle and the Tiger Walk are the most celebrated. Football at Auburn dates back to 1892.

How can I watch Auburn football games?

Broadcast assignments are announced by the SEC and its television partners, usually about six to twelve days before kickoff. Check the network listing for each game week.

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