The schedule is out. Honestly, if you’re an Auburn fan, you’re probably already looking at hotel prices in Atlanta or Tuscaloosa. It’s just how we do things on the Plains.
Whether you're trying to figure out which weekend to clear for a tailgate at Jordan-Hare or you're curious if the basketball team can finally get past that Round of 32 hump, knowing who does Auburn play is the first step to planning your entire year. 2026 is shaping up to be a monster. We’re talking about a transition year for the SEC where the schedule expands to nine conference games. That changes everything. It’s not just about the Iron Bowl anymore; it’s about a gauntlet that doesn’t really give you a week to breathe.
The Football Gauntlet: 2026 SEC Expansion
The 2026 football season is basically a marathon through a minefield. With the SEC moving to a nine-game conference slate, the Tigers don't have the luxury of those mid-November "cupcake" games we used to see.
Auburn starts the season with a massive neutral-site game. On September 5, 2026, the Tigers head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to face Baylor in the Aflac Kickoff Game. It’s a huge spotlight right out of the gate. After that, the home opener at Jordan-Hare happens on September 12 against Southern Miss.
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But then, the real SEC heavyweights start lining up.
- Florida (Home) - Sept 19
- Vanderbilt (Home) - Sept 26
- Tennessee (Away) - Oct 3
- Georgia (Away) - Oct 17
- LSU (Home) - Oct 24
- Ole Miss (Away) - Oct 31
- Arkansas (Home) - Nov 7
- Mississippi State (Away) - Nov 14
- Samford (Home) - Nov 21
- Alabama (Away) - Nov 28
The "Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry" against Georgia moves back to Athens this year. If you’ve ever stood in Sanford Stadium when the Dawgs are barking, you know how tough that environment is. And of course, everything culminates with the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa on November 28. There’s something special about that late-November chill when you’re heading into Bryant-Denny Stadium, even if the reception isn't exactly "warm" from the locals.
Neville Arena is the Hardest Place to Play
Switching gears to the hardwood, Bruce Pearl has turned Neville Arena into a literal fortress. If you’re asking who does Auburn play in basketball for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, the SEC schedule is currently in full swing.
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The Tigers are coming off a wild stretch. They just took down Arkansas 95-73 in a game where the energy was so high the floor was practically vibrating. But the road ahead isn't any easier. The SEC is deep this year. Like, "eight teams in the tournament" deep.
Tonight, the focus is on Missouri (Jan 14) in Columbia. Mizzou Arena can be a trap, especially on a Wednesday night. Then, the Tigers come back home for a "Nothing but Neon" game against South Carolina on January 17. You’ll want your sunglasses for that one; the student section is going to be a sea of highlighter yellow.
The "Big One" on the basketball calendar? Mark your calendars for February 7. That’s when Alabama comes to the Plains. Tickets for that game are already going for astronomical prices on the secondary market. It’s more than a game; it’s a four-hour shout-fest where nobody sits down.
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Why the 2026 Football Schedule is Different
You might have noticed that Samford game on November 21. That’s a bit of a breather before the Iron Bowl, but it's one of the few. The 2026 season marks the first time Auburn has to play five SEC road games. Traveling to Tennessee, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Alabama in a single season is... well, it’s a lot.
Hugh Freeze is banking on quarterback Byrum Brown and a young, fast receiving corps to handle that travel schedule. The depth is better than it was two years ago, but the SEC is unforgiving.
Actionable Steps for the Auburn Faithful
If you're planning on attending these games, don't wait. The move to a nine-game SEC schedule means every home game is a "big" game now.
- Check the A-Day Date: A-Day 2026 is currently set for April 18. It’s the best way to see the new roster changes without the stress of a win-loss record.
- Book Atlanta Early: If you’re going to the Baylor game in September, hotels near Mercedes-Benz Stadium fill up months in advance.
- Monitor Basketball Mid-Week Changes: The SEC often moves Tuesday/Wednesday basketball games for TV (ESPN/SEC Network). Always double-check the tip-off time 48 hours before the game.
- Join a Collective: If you want to see Auburn stay competitive in this new era of the SEC, look into "On To Victory." NIL is the engine behind the recruiting classes that are going to face these 2026 schedules.
The Tigers have a brutal path ahead, but that’s exactly why we love the SEC. It’s never easy, it’s never quiet, and honestly, we wouldn’t want it any other way. War Eagle.
Next Steps for Planning:
To make sure you don't miss a single kickoff or tip-off, sync the official Auburn Athletics calendar to your phone. This ensures that any last-minute TV time changes for the basketball games against Florida or Kentucky are automatically updated in your schedule. If you are planning a trip to Athens for the Georgia game, look for lodging in the Oconee area rather than downtown Athens to save significantly on "Rivalry Weekend" surcharges.