Auburn Tigers to Battle Baylor in 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game
Auburn Football is set to face Baylor in the Aflac Kickoff Game, marking the start of the 2026 season. This game will take place on September 5, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Auburn vs. Baylor: A Historic Matchup
This matchup represents the sixth meeting between the two teams. Their previous encounter saw Auburn secure a 38–24 victory against Baylor in Waco on August 31, 2025. The game not only highlights the competitive spirit of college football but also sets the stage for significant benefits for student-athletes.
Innovative NIL Opportunities
The Aflac Kickoff Game introduces a novel opportunity related to name, image, and likeness (NIL) for Auburn student-athletes. In collaboration with Peach Bowl, Inc., the event aims to enhance engagement tied to ticket sales and surrounding activities.
- Student-athletes will participate in various marketing and promotional appearances.
- The initiative is underpinned by a multi-million-dollar partnership.
- This model creates avenues for financial benefit and brand enhancement for student-athletes.
Auburn Director of Athletics, John Cohen, emphasized the importance of these opportunities for student-athletes. He stated that expanding avenues for NIL compensation aligns with Auburn’s mission to support its athletes both financially and professionally.
Auburn’s Upcoming Season Overview
The 2026 season marks the first year that Auburn will play a nine-game SEC schedule. Home games will include matchups against notable teams like Arkansas, Florida, LSU, and Vanderbilt.
As Auburn returns to Atlanta for the first time since 2018, this appearance in the Aflac Kickoff Game will be their fourth, following previous games in 2012, 2015, and 2018. The matchup against Baylor presents a unique opportunity not just for athletic competition, but also for advancing the landscape of college sports through innovative strategies.
The Aflac Kickoff Game is set to be a groundbreaking event in college athletics, offering a mix of competitive spirit and enhanced opportunities for Auburn’s student-athletes.
