If you woke up this morning, January 17, 2026, wondering where is auburn playing football today, I have some news that might be a little bit of a letdown.
They aren't.
Not on a football field, anyway. Honestly, if you see the Tigers suited up in pads today, it’s probably for a photo shoot or a very intense game of NCAA Football 26 in the dorms.
Why No Game Today?
The college football calendar is a rigid beast. By mid-January, the season is effectively over. The National Championship has usually wrapped up, and the players are either recovering from surgery, hitting the weight room, or, more likely these days, refreshing the transfer portal.
However, if you just need to see the orange and blue in action, you’re actually in luck. There is plenty of "Auburn" happening today, just not on the gridiron.
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Auburn Football: What’s Actually Happening
Instead of looking for a kickoff time, fans are currently obsessing over the roster. The program is in the middle of a massive transformation under new head coach Alex Golesh.
Since the portal window for the 2026 cycle is currently active (running from January 2 to January 16, with signings trickling in today), the "game" is being played in the meeting rooms and on recruiting trails.
- The Quarterback Room: Auburn just landed a huge commitment from former USF quarterback Byrum Brown. He’s the dual-threat spark plug Golesh worked with previously, and he's expected to be the face of the 2026 offense.
- The O-Line Rebuild: Just yesterday, the Tigers secured TJ Hedrick, a massive 320-pound tackle from Ole Miss.
- The Coaching Staff: Alex Golesh is officially settling in, bringing over guys like Jeff Jones to handle player development.
Basically, the "game" today is a game of numbers and eligibility.
Where You CAN Watch Auburn Today
While the football team is dormant, Neville Arena is going to be rocking tonight.
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If you are looking for live Auburn sports right now, the Auburn Men’s Basketball team is taking on the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Game Details for Today:
- Venue: Neville Arena (The Jungle), Auburn, AL.
- Tip-off: 6:00 PM ET.
- How to Watch: SEC Network.
- The Stakes: Both teams are sitting at 10-7 and looking for a foothold in the SEC standings. It’s not football, but the atmosphere in Auburn for basketball is arguably more electric during the winter months.
Looking Ahead: When Does Auburn Play Football Again?
If you're a die-hard who only cares about the pigskin, you’ve got a long wait. The 2026 Auburn football schedule is already set, and it’s a gauntlet.
The Tigers don't return to the field for a real game until September 5, 2026.
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They’ll be heading to Atlanta to face the Baylor Bears in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a massive neutral-site opener that will serve as the true debut for the Golesh era.
Before that, your best bet to see them in person is the A-Day Spring Game. That is currently slated for the week of April 10-18, 2026, at Jordan-Hare Stadium. It’s a glorified scrimmage, sure, but it’s the first chance to see the new transfers in the system.
The 2026 Home Opener
After the Atlanta trip, the Tigers finally come home to the Plains on September 12 to host Southern Miss. If you’re planning a trip to Jordan-Hare, that’s the date you need to circle.
The SEC schedule this year is also a bit weird because it's the first time programs are playing nine league games. You’ve got Florida and LSU coming to town, which always makes for a rowdy Saturday in Lee County.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since you can't watch a football game today, here is how you can stay locked in:
- Check the Transfer Portal Tracker: Follow guys like Christian Clemente at 247Sports. They are tracking every name entering and leaving the program today.
- Tune into the Basketball Game: SEC Network at 6:00 PM. It’s the best way to scratch that competitive itch.
- Plan for A-Day: Hotel prices in Auburn for mid-April are already starting to climb. If you want to see the new-look Tigers before September, book your stay now.
- Watch Byrum Brown Highlights: If you want to know what the 2026 offense will look like, go watch his tape from his time at South Florida. It’s fast, it’s chaotic, and it’s exactly what Golesh wants to bring to the SEC.
Auburn football isn't playing today, but the program is arguably busier than it was in November. The roster you see on the screen in September is being built right now, one portal signature at a time.