Auburn Softball Returns Home for War Eagle Classic After Promising Start to 2026 Season
The Tigers are back on the Plains-and they’re bringing some serious momentum with them.
After a strong showing at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, Auburn softball (4-2) returns to Jane B. Moore Field for Opening Weekend, hosting the War Eagle Classic with six games lined up against Illinois (0-5), Bradley (2-3), Binghamton (1-4), and undefeated Campbell (5-0).
For co-head coach Chris Malveaux, there’s no place like home.
“It’s going to be awesome to play at home again,” Malveaux said. “Last season was so much fun.
The fans, the environment-everything about playing at Jane B. Moore Field is a blast.
On the road, you really have to dig in. Last weekend, our team had to do that.
We’re really excited to be back.”
Six-Game Slate and Sentimental Moments
The action kicks off Thursday at 5 p.m. CT against Illinois-Auburn’s third Big Ten opponent already this season.
The Tigers already have wins over Michigan State and Penn State under their belts, part of a 4-1 run at the Leadoff Classic that included a signature win over No. 13 Clemson.
Friday’s doubleheader brings a personal touch. Auburn faces Bradley at 4:30 p.m.
CT-a program with deep ties to the coaching staff. Co-head coach Kate Malveaux played for the Braves, and both Malveauxs were on staff there in 2012, the year they met.
Later that evening, Auburn takes on Campbell, led by none other than three-time Auburn All-American Emily Carosone.
Saturday features a rematch with Bradley at 4:30 p.m. CT, followed by a primetime matchup against Binghamton at 7 p.m.
CT. The weekend wraps up with an early Sunday finale versus Campbell at 11:30 a.m.
CT.
In addition to the action on the field, Auburn is honoring the late Mike “Helmet Guy” Cooper with commemorative mini-helmets available while supplies last. Fans can also look forward to giveaways throughout the weekend, including trucker hats on Friday and Valentine’s-themed Auburn conversation hearts on Saturday.
Broadcast Coverage and Familiar Voices
All six games will be streamed on SEC Network+, with JJ Jackson and Auburn alumna Shelby Lowe on the call Thursday. Friday’s first game will feature Graham Doty and Lowe, while Doty teams up with former Tiger Amy Rief for the nightcap.
The final three games will be carried via passthrough broadcast with the Auburn Sports Network call. Fans can also tune in on WEGL 91.1 FM and the Auburn Sports Network.
Early Season Standouts: Brockman, Roebuck, Harrison Shine
The Tigers come into the War Eagle Classic riding high off a 4-2 start, and a few players have already made their presence felt in a big way.
Junior catcher Kylie Brockman wasted no time getting hot at the plate, stringing together a five-game hit streak to open the year. She’s tied for the team lead in hits (9) alongside sophomore Kylie Shaw and freshman Haven Roebuck.
Brockman’s .563 batting average ranks seventh in the SEC, and her eight RBI are tied for sixth. She’s been a steady force in the middle of the lineup, setting the tone for the Tigers’ offense.
Speaking of tone-setters, Roebuck has burst onto the scene with a debut that’s turning heads nationally. Named Softball on SI’s Co-Freshman of the Week, she’s matched Brockman in hits and RBI, leads the team in runs scored (7), and tops the SEC in doubles (5).
She’s scored in every game so far and has posted multi-hit efforts in half of Auburn’s contests. It’s early, but Roebuck is already looking like a cornerstone for the Tigers’ future.
In the circle, sophomore Ella Harrison has picked up right where she left off. She made four appearances over opening weekend-two starts, two wins, and a save-including a complete game gem in the upset over Clemson.
Harrison followed that up with a dominant 11-strikeout performance against Penn State, marking her eighth career game with double-digit Ks. She’s the first Auburn pitcher since Maddie Penta in May 2024 to notch 10 or more strikeouts in a single outing.
Harrison currently leads the SEC in complete games (2), appearances (4), saves (1), and strikeouts (22). Her 9.1 strikeouts per seven innings rank top-10 in the league, and she’s recorded at least two punchouts in every appearance. Her efforts earned her a spot on the NFCA Leadoff Classic All-Tournament Team-well deserved.
Looking Ahead
With the bats heating up and the pitching staff already flashing high-end potential, Auburn’s early-season form has fans excited-and rightfully so. The War Eagle Classic offers a chance to build on that momentum in front of a home crowd that knows how to bring the energy.
Whether it’s the return of familiar faces, the emergence of new stars, or the simple joy of playing at Jane B. Moore Field, this weekend is shaping up to be something special for the Tigers.
And if you’re lucky enough to snag a foul ball? You might just walk away with an autographed souvenir-just another reason to make your way to the ballpark.
Opening Weekend is here. Let the homecoming begin.