ATLANTA — The college football season officially begins in Atlanta Saturday when Auburn and Baylor meet in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The matchup completes a home-and-home series that started last season, when Auburn defeated Baylor 38-24 in Waco. The all-time series is tied 2-2-1, dating to 1954. Auburn won the only previous neutral-site meeting, a 33-13 victory in the 1954 Gator Bowl.
Auburn and Baylor: How To Watch
- Game: Auburn Tigers vs. Baylor Bears
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Network: ABC
This year’s contest was originally scheduled for Jordan-Hare Stadium but was moved to Atlanta last October. The change created a first-of-its-kind NIL opportunity for Auburn players tied to ticket sales, promotions and surrounding events. Reports indicate the Tigers’ players will share roughly $6 million. Auburn received a 20,645-ticket allotment as the designated home team; Baylor received the standard visiting allotment of 3,000.
The game marks the debut of Auburn head coach Alex Golesh, who arrived from South Florida after Hugh Freeze’s firing. Golesh brought quarterback Byrum Brown with him. Brown passed for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for 1,008 yards and 14 scores last season. Auburn also added former Baylor running back Bryson Washington via the transfer portal to complement returning back Jeremiah Cobb.
Baylor, in its seventh season under Dave Aranda, will start Florida transfer DJ Lagway at quarterback. Lagway is a Baylor legacy—his father played running back for the Bears from 1997 to 2001. New defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman is overseeing a rebuilt unit. Both teams finished 5-7 in 2025.
Heisman Trophy winners Cam Newton (Auburn, 2010) and Robert Griffin III (Baylor, 2011) will serve as honorary captains and participate in the coin toss. Auburn is making its fourth appearance in the Kickoff Game (2-1 record). Baylor is appearing for the first time and playing in Atlanta for the first time since 1993.
Auburn enters seeking its 10th consecutive season-opening victory. The Tigers will play a nine-game SEC schedule in 2026, their first under the expanded conference format. Baylor opens its 125th season looking to avenge last year’s loss and start Aranda’s campaign on a strong note.
Gates at Mercedes-Benz Stadium open at 1:30 p.m. ET. The stadium is cashless and enforces a clear-bag policy. Tickets must be accessed via mobile device. The Aflac Kickoff Game, organized by Peach Bowl Inc., remains the nation’s longest-running neutral-site season opener.
