Auburn University will kick off its 2026 football season in a high‑profile setting, meeting Baylor University in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on a Saturday afternoon.
A Return to Atlanta
The game is slated for 2:30 p.m. Eastern time and will mark the Tigers’ first appearance in the venue since 2018, adding a layer of nostalgia for fans who remember the 2018 matchup.
It will also be the fourth time Auburn has participated in the Aflac Kickoff Game, a tradition that pairs a top‑ranked program with a marquee opponent to open the college football season.
Continuity From Last Year
The contest continues a recent pattern of opening the season against Baylor; a year ago the Tigers traveled to Waco, Texas, and emerged victorious, a result that set the tone for the 2025 campaign.
What’s Next for the 2026 Schedule
While the full slate of kickoff times and television designations for the remainder of the 2026 season will be announced in the coming weeks, the Auburn Athletic Department has indicated that additional high‑profile matchups are slated for release soon.
Both Auburn and Baylor are members of the Southeastern and Big 12 conferences respectively, and the game is expected to draw significant national attention, underscoring the growing importance of non‑conference openers in shaping playoff conversations.