The Auburn Tigers are gearing up as more than a touchdown favorite (-7.5) against the Baylor Bears for their Week 1 showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, September 5. This matchup has fans buzzing, and for good reason.
Auburn's new head coach, Alex Golesh, is bringing a fresh energy to the Plains. With offensive coordinator Joel Gordon and transfer quarterback Byrum Brown from USF, the Tigers are expected to make a splash in the Power 4 scene right from the start. Brown's transition to Auburn is highly anticipated, especially as the team aims to improve its offensive prowess.
On the other side, Baylor's DJ Lagway, once a rising star with the Florida Gators, is looking to bounce back after a challenging 2025 season. Under the guidance of head coach Dave Aranda and offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, Baylor is hoping to find its footing and start the season strong.
Last season, Auburn secured a 38-24 victory against Baylor, a game that hinted at Baylor's struggles but didn't quite capture Auburn's potential. This year, both teams have undergone changes, and oddsmakers are favoring Auburn's new direction under Golesh. With several key players from USF, including Brown, Auburn's offense is expected to be more dynamic.
Baylor, meanwhile, is banking on Lagway to turn things around after a tough 2025. The Bears are also introducing first-year defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman, hoping he can make a significant impact.
While Auburn seems to have the edge, Baylor is not out of the picture. The Bears have talent and potential, but they'll need to step up to challenge the Tigers. As both teams hit the field on September 5, fans can expect an exciting clash to kick off the 2026 season.