If you’ve ever stood in the middle of Toomer’s Corner after a big win, you know that timing is everything on The Plains. Missing a kickoff because you were stuck in traffic on I-85 is a heartbreak no Tiger fan should endure. So, when does Auburn play football?
Whether you are looking for the next A-Day date or the 2026 kickoff in Atlanta, the dates are finally locked in. We are officially entering the Alex Golesh era.
Things feel different this year. There is a specific kind of electricity that comes with a new head coach, especially one with a "fast as light" offensive philosophy. People are already arguing about how many wins are realistic. But before we get to the record, you need to know where and when to show up.
The 2026 Auburn Football Schedule: Week by Week
This year is a bit of a milestone. It’s the first time the SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule. That means fewer "cupcake" games and a lot more high-stakes Saturday afternoons.
Here is how the 2026 slate looks, from the season opener to the Iron Bowl.
September 5: Baylor (Aflac Kickoff Game) Auburn starts the season away from Jordan-Hare, but not too far. They’ll be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It’s a neutral site game against a tough Big 12 opponent.
September 12: Southern Miss This is the big one for local fans. It’s the home opener. It’ll be the first time Alex Golesh leads the Tigers through the tunnel at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
September 19: Florida Believe it or not, the Gators haven't played in Auburn since 2011. This is going to be a massive ticket. If you’re planning a trip, book your hotel now.
September 26: Vanderbilt The SEC rotation is keeping the Dores on the schedule for the next few years.
October 3: at Tennessee A road trip to Knoxville. Neyland Stadium is never easy, but it’s one of the best atmospheres in the country.
October 17: at Georgia The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. After a bye week on October 10, the Tigers head to Athens. This game usually defines the season.
October 24: LSU LSU is back on The Plains. There’s something about night games against LSU in Auburn that just feels chaotic in the best way possible.
October 31: at Ole Miss Halloween in Oxford. Expect a lot of scoring and a very rowdy Grove.
November 7: Arkansas The Razorbacks come to town to start the final stretch of the season.
November 14: at Mississippi State A late-season trip to Starkville. Bring your earplugs for the cowbells.
November 21: Samford The final non-conference tune-up before the big one.
November 28: at Alabama (Iron Bowl) The regular season ends in Tuscaloosa. It’s the game that stops the state.
When Does Auburn Play Football This Spring? (A-Day 2026)
Before the real season starts, we have A-Day. This is basically a holiday in Auburn.
Honestly, the score doesn't matter. It’s about seeing which quarterback looks comfortable in the new system and who the breakout stars might be. It’s also the best time for families to visit since tickets are cheaper and the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed than a November SEC game.
A-Day 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m. CST.
Coach Golesh has already mentioned he wants a "traditional" spring game format. None of that weird "offense vs. defense" scoring where a sack is worth three points. It’ll be a real scrimmage. Tiger Walk will happen before the game, and the players are usually out on the field afterward for autographs.
Why the 2026 Schedule is a Game Changer
You've probably noticed there are no games against "smaller" SEC teams in the middle of the season anymore. That’s because of the move to nine conference games.
The SEC finally pulled the trigger on the expanded schedule. For fans, it’s great—more big-name opponents. For the players, it’s a meat grinder. Auburn has to travel to Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama all in one season. That is a brutal road slate by any standard.
Another thing to watch for is the kickoff times. Most of these haven't been set yet because of the TV networks. However, with the new Disney/ESPN deal, we’re seeing more "Flex" scheduling. We won't know the exact time for the LSU or Georgia games until about two weeks before they happen.
Basically, keep your Saturdays clear.
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Getting Tickets for Jordan-Hare
If you're asking "when does Auburn play football" so you can buy tickets, you need to be fast. Auburn currently has a 22-game sellout streak.
Tickets for A-Day usually go on sale in early February (February 3rd this year, to be exact). Season ticket renewals happen even earlier. If you aren't a season ticket holder, your best bet is the secondary market, but be prepared to pay a premium for Florida and LSU.
What Most People Miss About the Schedule
People focus on the Iron Bowl, and for good reason. But look at that September stretch.
Auburn plays Baylor, Southern Miss, Florida, and Vanderbilt all in the first month. Three of those are at home or nearby. If the Tigers can come out of September 4-0 or even 3-1, the momentum going into that Tennessee game will be massive.
On the flip side, a slow start under a new coach can make that October road trip to Athens feel like a mountain.
To make the most of the 2026 season, here are your next steps:
- Mark April 18 on your calendar for the A-Day game to get your first look at the Golesh offense.
- Check the official Auburn Tigers app on Monday mornings during the season; that’s usually when the "six-day" or "twelve-day" windows for kickoff times are announced by the SEC.
- Book travel for the Atlanta opener against Baylor early, as hotels near Mercedes-Benz Stadium fill up fast for the kickoff weekend.
The schedule is set. The coach is hired. Now we just wait for the first "War Eagle" to echo through the stadium.