Auburn Has Several Chances to Shock College Football in 2026
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It won't be an easy path for the Auburn Tigers in 2026.
As Alex Golesh prepares for his first season on the Plains, many expect the team's schedule to be very difficult, especially inside the SEC.
On Monday, the preseason AP Top-25 was released, and although the Tigers didn't make the rankings, it is still important to see who did.
In fact, 5 teams that are on Auburn's schedule this season will start the season with a number next to their name. Another reason to prove everyone else wrong and remind folks that Auburn is back on the map.
The team will have a tough October, then the Iron Bowl, all against preseason top-25 opponents.
No. 20 Tennessee (Oct. 3)
No. 3 Georgia (Oct. 17)
No. 11 LSU (Oct. 24)
No. 9 Ole Miss (Oct. 31)
No. 14 Alabama (Nov. 28)
The game in Knoxville against the Volunteers will certainly be an interesting one, as not only will Alex Golesh face his first potential top-25 team, but he will also go against his former colleague and former team of Tennessee. This contest will certainly be emotional, and if Auburn can steal a victory at Neyland Stadium, it could certainly start a hype train for the Auburn Tigers.
Following a bye week after Tennessee, the team will take on the Georgia Bulldogs, one of the toughest teams in college football over the past decade. Georgia is bringing back most of its defense, a very experienced quarterback, and, of course, Kirby Smart as head coach. The Bulldogs are seen as one of the national championship favorites entering the season.
Auburn will host Lane Kiffin as he coaches his first season in Baton Rouge for LSU. This is a very interesting game for Auburn, as LSU will play eight straight games to begin the season, with the eighth and final game before the bye week happening at Jordan-Hare Stadium. If Byrum Brown and the offense are firing on all cylinders, this could be an upset in favor of Alex Golesh's squad.
Ole Miss is considered a team that could make the college football playoffs, but is also considered a wild card based on how head coach Pete Golding will treat his roster. Golding took over for Lane Kiffin midseason and through the College Football Playoffs, following the drama of his departure to LSU. The Rebels arguably have the best quarterback in the conference and possibly the country in Trinidad Chambliss.
The Iron Bowl never disappoints. Alabama enters the season in a quarterback battle, and head coach Kalen DeBoer certainly has a chip on his shoulder and a lot to prove for the fans in Tuscaloosa. With the game on the road, it's never easy to win a rivalry game away from Jordan-Hare Stadium, but never rule it out.
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