If you’ve never been to the state of Alabama during the last week of November, you’re basically missing out on a cold civil war. Seriously. It’s not just about a game. It’s about where you can shop, who you can talk to at Thanksgiving, and which side of the family gets the "good" china. Auburn v Alabama football is less of a sports rivalry and more of a lifestyle choice that you’re born into—or forced into by marriage.
Most people think they understand the Iron Bowl because they’ve seen the "Kick Six" highlight a thousand times. But honestly? That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rivalry
There is this weird misconception that the hatred is mostly for show. You’ve probably heard it’s all "good-natured fun."
Wrong.
The history is actually kind of dark. Did you know these two teams didn't even play each other for 41 years? From 1907 to 1948, the schools basically stopped speaking. They couldn't agree on how much to pay players for travel or where the referees should come from. Alabama wanted Southern refs; Auburn wanted Northern ones because they didn't trust the local guys. It took a literal resolution from the State Legislature to force them back onto the same field.
Even today, it’s tense. Alabama leads the all-time series 52–37–1, but that doesn't tell the whole story.
The Modern Era: Kalen DeBoer and Hugh Freeze
We are currently in a bizarre new chapter. For nearly two decades, Nick Saban was the "Final Boss" of college football. Now, Kalen DeBoer has taken the reins in Tuscaloosa, and he’s already made his mark by winning his first two Iron Bowls (2024 and 2025).
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Auburn fans are... well, they're antsy.
Hugh Freeze was brought to the Plains specifically because he was one of the few guys who actually beat Saban twice back in the day. But since taking the Auburn job, it’s been a rough ride. Following the 2025 season, the Crimson Tide secured their sixth consecutive win in the series with a 27-20 nail-biter at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
It was classic Iron Bowl chaos. Alabama’s Ty Simpson found Isaiah Horton for three touchdowns, including a clutch fourth-down play that broke Tiger hearts yet again. Auburn's Jeremiah Cobb and Malcolm Simmons kept it close, but close doesn't get you a trophy in this state.
Why Jordan-Hare is a House of Horrors
If you ask any Alabama fan where they hate playing the most, they won't say LSU or Tennessee. They’ll say Auburn.
There is something fundamentally "wrong" with the physics at Jordan-Hare Stadium. It’s where logic goes to die.
- 2013: The Kick Six. Chris Davis returns a missed field goal 109 yards.
- 2021: A struggling Bama team needs four overtimes to escape.
- 2023: "4th and 31." Jalen Milroe hits Isaiah Bond in the corner of the end zone with 32 seconds left.
Even in 2025, with Auburn finishing a disappointing 5-7, they still had Alabama on the ropes. That’s the thing about Auburn v Alabama football—the records are basically trash the second the ball is kicked.
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The Numbers You Actually Need to Know
Let's talk stats for a second, but not the boring kind.
Alabama has dominated the "Reign of Terror" eras, specifically winning nine straight from 1973 to 1981 under Bear Bryant. But Auburn had their own run, winning six in a row from 2002 to 2007.
Since the rivalry resumed in 1948, the game has been played in three main spots:
- Legion Field (Birmingham): The "Old Reliable" site where the name "Iron Bowl" was actually coined due to the city's steel industry.
- Bryant-Denny Stadium (Tuscaloosa): Where Alabama holds court.
- Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn): Where weird stuff happens.
Interestingly, for a long time, the game was always in Birmingham. Auburn fans hated this. They felt like it was a de-facto home game for the Tide. It wasn't until 1989 that the game finally moved to Auburn’s campus, a day still celebrated by Tigers fans as a sort of Independence Day.
What Really Happened With the 2026 Schedule?
The SEC is changing. Everything is expanding. We’ve got Texas and Oklahoma in the mix now, and the old "division" format is dead.
The SEC officially moved to a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026. This had people worried. Would the Iron Bowl be protected?
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The short answer: Yes.
The SEC confirmed that the Auburn v Alabama football game is a permanent fixture. In 2026, Auburn is slated to travel to Tuscaloosa on November 28. Then, in 2027, the Tide returns to the Plains. The rivalry is safe, but the stakes are higher. With the 12-team (and potentially larger) College Football Playoff, the Iron Bowl isn't just for bragging rights anymore—it’s a literal play-in game for the national title most years.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to attend or just want to survive the next one, keep these tips in mind:
- Secure Tickets Early: Iron Bowl tickets for 2026 are already projected to be some of the most expensive in the country. If you aren't a season ticket holder, expect to pay 3x face value on secondary markets.
- Know the Lore: Don't just mention the Kick Six. Talk about "Punt Bama Punt" from 1972 or the "Run in the Mud" from 1967. It gives you instant cred.
- Check the Weather: Late November in Alabama can be 75 degrees or it can be a literal ice storm. Wear layers.
- Respect the Traditions: If you’re at Auburn, go to Toomer’s Corner after a win (if you can find a roll of TP). If you’re in Tuscaloosa, hit up Dreamland BBQ.
The Iron Bowl isn't going anywhere. Even with coaching changes, NIL drama, and conference realignment, it remains the North Star of Southern sports. Whether it's Kalen DeBoer trying to keep the streak alive or Hugh Freeze fighting for his job, the 2026 matchup is already shaping up to be another heart-stopper.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the spring transfer portal windows for both teams. Usually, the talent gap between these two rosters is decided by three or four key defensive linemen who move in April. Once those rosters are set, you'll have a much better idea if Auburn can finally break the "Bama Hex."