If you're asking what time Auburn play, you're probably standing in front of your closet trying to decide if it’s a "lucky orange hoodie" day or if the blue jersey is the move. Being an Auburn fan is a full-time job. It’s about the "War Eagle" yell, the toilet paper at Toomer’s Corner, and the absolute stress of SEC play. Right now, in the heart of January 2026, the focus has shifted entirely from the gridiron to the hardwood and the mats.
What Time Auburn Play: The 2026 Men’s Basketball Slate
The Tigers are currently grinding through a brutal Southeastern Conference schedule. Bruce Pearl has this team running fast, but the SEC is a gauntlet this year. If you missed the midweek heartbreaker against Missouri on January 14, where Auburn fell 84-74 in Columbia, you’ve got to look ahead quickly.
The next big one is Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Auburn returns home to Neville Arena to host the South Carolina Gamecocks. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM CST (6:00 PM EST). You can catch this one on the SEC Network. There is nothing quite like the Jungle when a conference rival comes to town, and after that road loss, the energy is going to be electric. Honestly, South Carolina has been scrappy this season, so Pearl’s squad can't afford a slow start.
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Looking further down the calendar for January:
- Tuesday, January 20: Auburn travels to Oxford to face Ole Miss. That game tips at 8:00 PM CST on ESPNU.
- Saturday, January 24: A massive road test at Florida. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM CST (4:00/4:30 PM EST) on the main ESPN or ESPN2.
- Wednesday, January 28: Texas comes to the Plains for a "Rumble in the Jungle" at 6:00 PM CST.
Why the 2026 Schedule Feels Different
It isn't just about the time on the clock; it’s about the stakes. With the expanded SEC, every Tuesday and Wednesday feels like a tournament game. We've seen Jaylin Williams and the veterans trying to keep the young guys composed, but road wins in this league are hard to come by. The Missouri game proved that—Auburn shot poorly from deep and let Mizzou's Jayden Stone go off for 22 points.
When you're checking what time Auburn play, keep an eye on the injury report too. Lately, the rotation has been a bit thin, and Pearl has been leaning heavily on his bench to maintain that high-pressure defense.
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Don't Forget Auburn Gymnastics
While basketball takes the headlines, Auburn Gymnastics is a massive draw. Neville Arena transforms on Friday nights. If you’re looking for the Tigers on the mat, they just came off a home meet against NC State earlier this month.
Sunday, January 18, 2026, is the next date to circle. The Tigers travel to Fayetteville to take on #10 Arkansas. This is a matinee meet, starting at 3:00 PM CST.
The following Friday, January 23, is one of the most anticipated nights of the season: 90s Night against Florida. That home meet starts at 7:45 PM CST. If you don't have tickets yet, good luck. Standing room only is pretty much the standard for these SEC gymnastics showdowns.
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How to Watch and Stay Updated
Basically, if it’s an Auburn game, it’s probably on the SEC Network, ESPN, or ESPN2. For those of us who have cut the cord, the ESPN+ app is usually the safest bet to find the stream, though you still need a cable login for the linear channels.
Sorta frustratingly, times can shift based on the games preceding them. If a 12:00 PM game goes into triple overtime, your 2:30 PM tip is going to be pushed. That’s just the reality of live sports. I always recommend checking the official Auburn Tigers app about an hour before the scheduled start. They are usually the first to update for any "flex" time changes by the networks.
Quick Summary for the Week
- Men’s Basketball: Jan 17 vs. South Carolina @ 5:00 PM CST.
- Gymnastics: Jan 18 @ Arkansas @ 3:00 PM CST.
- Men’s Basketball: Jan 20 @ Ole Miss @ 8:00 PM CST.
The best way to support the Tigers is to be in your seat (or on your couch) five minutes early. The SEC standings are crowded, and every single win matters for seeding in Nashville come March.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Auburn Athletics website and download the "Add to Calendar" link for the Men's Basketball and Gymnastics schedules so you get alerts 30 minutes before every start.
- Check the Network: Verify your access to the SEC Network and ESPNU now, especially for the upcoming midweek games against Ole Miss and Texas, as these often require specific sports packages.
- Gear up for the 23rd: If you’re attending the Florida gymnastics meet, the "90s Night" theme is strictly enforced by the Jungle—dig out that vintage windbreaker now.