Auburn prepares to face Baylor in the Aflac Kickoff Game

Auburn begins its 2026 season this Saturday against Baylor at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The matchup marks the debut of head coach Alex Golesh, who enters his first game leading the Tigers after nine months with the program. The contest features a notable quarterback battle between Auburn’s Byrum Brown and Baylor’s DJ Lagway. Analysts point to Brown’s experience and established supporting cast as a potential advantage against a Baylor roster currently addressing personnel changes on the offensive line and at running back. Auburn will also look to integrate healthy contributors like wide receiver Chas Nimrod and safety Champ Anthony into the rotation for this opening game. This SEC-Power Four clash is one of two such matchups scheduled for the first week of the college football season.

• 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Auburn Wire Roundtable, staff predictions for Auburn vs Baylor