Auburn is getting an early test this fall, and Steven Pearl thinks it comes with the kind of look that can pay off once SEC play arrives.
The Tigers announced Monday that they will face Florida State in a preseason exhibition on Oct. 14 at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, their first exhibition game of 2026 and their second straight season taking part in the Ballin’ in Boutwell event.
Pearl pointed to the Seminoles’ style as the main reason the matchup matters. Florida State, he said, plays fast and spreads the floor, which makes the game a useful preview of what Auburn will see later in the year.
“Yeah, I mean, Florida State is a team that, you know, played with a ton of tempo, a ton of pace. Very similar to Alabama.
They’re going to spread it. They’re going to shoot it,” Pearl said.
So, it’s really good to play a team like that early in the season because I wouldn’t say it’s a unique style, but it’s one that you’re going to see a lot more throughout the year. It’s something that we got to be prepared for once we get in SEC play."
Pearl also said the setting adds to the value of the night, with Auburn getting a chance to play in Birmingham and in front of its fans in a different kind of venue.
“So, it’s another great opportunity for us to be in Birmingham in front of our fans in a unique venue. We’re just excited about another opportunity in mid-October to go out there and learn a lot about what we have.”
Florida State is entering its second year under Luke Loucks after going 18-15 in the 2025-26 season and missing the NCAA Tournament, just like Auburn.
Ballin’ in Boutwell tickets are now on sale. Auburn women’s basketball will also be part of the event, with a game against Central Florida scheduled for noon on Oct. 14.
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The ripple effects go beyond bragging rights. Casagrande pointed to the recruiting and financial realities that make it harder for Alabama programs to keep pace with bigger markets, even as the states two flagship schools still live under the same intense spotlight at home. He also noted Tommy Tubervilles push in Congress to tighten transfer rules and extend eligibility, another sign that the fight over college footballs future is now happening far outside the lines. [Read more 🡒]