AUBURN, Ala.—Auburn Football will host Baylor in the Aflac Kickoff Game to open the 2026 season on Sept. 5, 2026, at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The nation’s longest-running neutral-site game is setting a new standard in college athletics by creating a first-of-its-kind opportunity for Auburn student-athletes to engage in name, image and likeness (NIL) activations tied directly to ticket sales, the Aflac Kickoff Game, and surrounding events.
Through a multi-million-dollar partnership, Peach Bowl, Inc., via the Aflac Kickoff Game, will work with third-party entities to secure marketing assets and promotional appearances by Auburn student-athletes, giving them meaningful visibility and new avenues to benefit from their NIL.
“Any time we have the ability to advance Auburn student-athletes’ ability to earn third-party NIL compensation, we will take that opportunity,” said Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen. “The exposure of playing on a national stage against a Power Four opponent in one of the premier neutral-site games in the country will not only benefit our student-athletes financially, but it will also enhance their brands. This is not only a win for Auburn student-athletes but for Auburn Athletics.”
The 2026 season opener will not only mark the sixth all-time meeting between Auburn and Baylor—following the Tigers’ 38–24 victory in Waco on August 31, 2025—but also showcase a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind structure for neutral-site hosts. This new model represents a significant evolution in how marquee games are staged, adding unique opportunities and value beyond the matchup itself.
The Tigers are playing in Atlanta for the first time since 2018 and making their fourth appearance in the Aflac Kickoff Game (2012, 2015 and 2018).
Auburn will also take on a nine-game SEC schedule for the first time in 2026 including home games with Arkansas, Florida, LSU and Vanderbilt.