On the Plains with Connor Gibbs: ‘Part of something that's bigger than yourself’

For Connor Gibbs, his love of sports began at an early age, but his football career didn’t begin until high school. Gibbs grew up playing soccer and running track, but due to a series of head injuries, his parents were hesitant to let him play football.

Finally, in his sophomore year of high school, Gibbs began his football career, using the skills he learned in soccer to become a successful kicker. By the end of the year, he knew that this new dream could go even further and made the decision to focus his pursuits on football.

“I still played soccer throughout high school, but I knew I could go somewhere with football, and that's what I wanted to do,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs began his collegiate career at Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. There, he recorded a personal long field goal of 59 yards and handled kickoff duties in his two years.

The transfer portal was never in the plans for Gibbs, but after a successful sophomore season and a coaching change, he decided to continue his career at Auburn. In his first season on the Plains in 2025, he served as the kickoff specialist.

“I hit the transfer portal and ended up coming here,” he said. “It’s probably the best decision I've ever made.”

Tradition, history and culture drew Gibbs to Auburn. From the electric atmosphere of rolling Toomer’s after a win to the most dedicated fanbase in sports, Auburn, for Gibbs, was like nowhere else.

“I think what's been special here at Auburn is the history and being a part of a culture that is the same every year,” he said. “You know what you're going to get. It's a historic school, I mean, who wouldn't want to be a part of it?”

Since being at Auburn, Gibbs has grown not only as a player, but also as a person in his discipline and maturity. He knows the value of his experience as a senior and plans to pay it forward, understanding that mindset and attitude go a long way.

“This is my fourth year, and I think I can help younger guys learn a little bit through [my experience], and be a positive impact on the group,” Gibbs said.

Following his graduation, Gibbs dreams of going to the NFL, something that seemed out of reach early in high school.

“I think that’s possible,” he said.

For Gibbs, the team dynamic has also had an incredibly valuable impact on him. Specifically, the closeness of the special teams unit and the guidance of special teams coordinator Jacob Bronowski have helped Gibbs to buy deeply into the Auburn Family and philosophy.

“The best part is the team camaraderie,” he said. “You get to be a part of something that's bigger than yourself, and it's a really good experience.”

As a senior, Gibbs is trying to soak in every moment as he looks forward to his fourth and final season. To him, this season means a little more.

“I am looking forward to doing my job and putting the best out there for the team,” he said. “For me, it means a lot because I've come a long way, and it's my last year, so I want to make it the best.”