Auburn Football Preview 2026

A New Era of Auburn Football Is Here!

Auburn football has taken a 360-degree turn over the last year. A new era is coming to the Plains. After parting ways with former head coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn is looking to completely revamp its roster and break out of its streak of losing seasons. Former University of South Florida head coach Alex Golesh now takes the lead for the Auburn Tigers and has brought a lot with him.

Before getting hired at Auburn, Alex Golesh had a successful three years at the University of South Florida. He completely turned around the program with a 23-15 (.605) record and won two bowl games in his tenure there. Golesh is known for his explosive offense and gives Auburn fans something to look forward to this year.

Vs. Baylor (in Atlanta, GA)

Prediction: Auburn 27 – Baylor 17

Last season, Baylor had an offense that could put up 40 points in any game when they were rolling. However, they lost their star running back, Bryson Washington, along with 32 players from their 2025 roster. Losing quarterback Sawyer Robertson and tight end Michael Trigg hurts them significantly, as those are difficult shoes to fill. Baylor is bringing in Florida transfer DJ Lagway, who struggled to get going at UF, but they hope a new environment can help him. I think Auburn struggles early, but Golesh gets his first win as an Auburn Tiger.

Vs. Southern Miss

Prediction: Auburn 38 –  Southern Miss 14

Alex Golesh’s first game on the Plains comes against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, and there isn’t much to say here. I think the Auburn Tigers give the fans something to be excited about and win this one big.

Vs. Florida

Prediction: Auburn 31 – Florida 24

This one should be fun! Former Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall versus former USF head coach Alex Golesh. The Florida Gators have a quarterback battle between Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr., but I think Byrum Brown has his breakout game in Jordan-Hare Stadium, and we take care of the Gators.

Vs. Vanderbilt

Prediction: Auburn 24 – Vanderbilt 21

The Vanderbilt Commodores come to the Plains to start their SEC schedule. I think losing their 2025 season quarterback, Diego Pavia, is a massive loss for the Commodores, and with the lack of experience from five-star quarterback, Jared Curtis, Auburn has the edge. I think Auburn hands Vanderbilt an L to open SEC play, but it won’t come easy. Auburn survives in a dogfight.

At Tennessee

Prediction: Tennessee 28 – Auburn 17

This starts a very hard stretch for the Tigers. Byrum Brown will need to find his stride early if the Tigers want to win in Knoxville. I’m excited for this game, but I think we drop this one, losing our first game of the season.

At Georgia

Prediction: Georgia 41 – Auburn 13

Auburn hasn’t won in Athens since 2005. I was 3 months old when that happened. I hope I’m wrong, but UGA will win in blowout fashion.

At LSU

Prediction: LSU 27 – Auburn 14

Head Coach Lane Kiffin hosts the Auburn Tigers with his new team. He’s brought in a lot of talent, including one of the top players in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt. I think Auburn drops its third straight game and heads back home to Jordan-Hare Stadium desperate to get things turned around.

At Ole Miss

Prediction: Auburn 37 – Ole Miss 24

This will be another fun game for the Auburn fans to watch. Halloween night in Oxford, MS. What else could you ask for? I think Auburn steals an away game and Byrum Brown Heisman talks start rising!

Vs. Arkansas

Prediction: Auburn 37 – Arkansas 21

The Arkansas Razorbacks are handing the keys to sophomore KJ Jackson. Personally, I really like what he showed in games late last season. Losing Taylen Green at QB is a massive loss, but I think Arkansas is better than people expect. With that being said, Auburn handles them with ease and starts looking ahead to the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

At Mississippi State

Prediction: Auburn 31- Mississippi St. 21

In Starkville, I believe Auburn’s talent will shine. I think this is a much bigger game than people are making it out to be. Auburn’s size and physicality in the trenches give them the edge here.

Vs. Samford

Prediction: Auburn 67 – Samford 6

Not much to say here, Auburn wins big against the team from Birmingham. It’s the last home game of the year at Jordan-Hare Stadium, with all eyes starting to turn toward the Alabama Crimson Tide.

At Alabama

Prediction: Auburn 35 – Alabama 24

When Byrum Brown was asked which game he’s looking forward to most, his answer was simple: “The last one.” That should get Auburn fans fired up. He’s already leaning into the Iron Bowl rivalry and looks ready to lead his team into battle. I think he gets it done. The Auburn Tigers are ROLLING the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Final Record Prediction: 9-3

I truly believe this year will be different than years past. Alex Golesh earns massive approval from fans and gets love from everyone. War Eagle!

Be Well, Auburn.