The countdown to college football's 2026 season just got a little more exciting. ESPN has officially set the kickoff time for Auburn's season opener against Baylor, and it's shaping up to be a marquee matchup in Atlanta.
The Tigers and Bears will face off on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2:30 p.m. CT inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. ABC will handle the broadcast, giving fans a prime national stage to kick off the year. This marks Auburn's first appearance in the Aflac Kickoff Game since 2018—a return to neutral-site glory that promises plenty of fireworks.
This game is the finale of a two-game series originally agreed upon in 2018. The plan was a classic home-and-home, but last October, Auburn made a strategic pivot. Instead of hosting Baylor at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Tigers opted to move the showdown to downtown Atlanta, the home of the Atlanta Falcons. It's a move that adds a bowl-game feel to the opener and gives both teams a chance to shine on a big stage.
Fans will remember Auburn's 38-24 win over Baylor in the 2025 season opener in Waco—a game where the Tigers triumphed despite being outgained 483-415 in total yardage. But this year's clash comes with an extra layer of drama: Auburn running back Bryson Washington will face his former team. Washington, who racked up 1,861 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns for Baylor over three seasons, joined the Tigers via the transfer portal last offseason. Expect plenty of emotion—and a few extra hits—when he takes the field.
Auburn vs. Baylor is just one piece of ABC's opening weekend lineup. The day kicks off with Alabama hosting East Carolina at 11 a.m. CT, followed by the Tigers and Bears at 2:30 p.m. Then, Clemson's return trip to LSU takes center stage at 6:30 p.m. CT. The weekend wraps up Sunday with a primetime clash between Ole Miss and Louisville at Nissan Stadium in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. CT.
For Auburn fans, this is more than just a season opener—it's a statement game. A win in Atlanta could set the tone for a run that has the entire SEC watching. Mark your calendars, grab your gear, and get ready for a September showdown that's already generating serious buzz.