In a move that really highlights how college football is changing, Auburn University is shifting its 2026 game against Baylor University. The matchup was supposed to happen at Jordan-Hare Stadium, but now it’ll be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as part of the Aflac Kickoff Game on September 5, 2026.
This isn’t just about location. Auburn’s hoping the switch will give their players a better shot at Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. It feels like universities are getting more creative with neutral-site games these days.
The Strategic Shift to Atlanta
Playing in Atlanta opens up a bunch of new opportunities. Auburn wants the national spotlight and the financial perks that come with a big neutral-site event.
The Aflac Kickoff Game, run by Peach Bowl, Inc., is all about giving student-athletes a bigger stage to build their personal brands and land NIL deals. Auburn athletic director John Cohen said the main goal here is to help their players earn more through third-party NIL deals.
Benefits of the Neutral-Site Game
There are some clear upsides to playing at a place like Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Facing Baylor on a national stage means more eyes on Auburn’s players, which can only help their profiles and marketability.
Financially, the incentives are hard to ignore. The Peach Bowl and Aflac Kickoff Game have put together a model where both the schools and the athletes see real benefits. David Epps, COO of Peach Bowl, Inc., has talked about finding new ways to make sure everyone comes out ahead in this new NIL world.
Auburn’s History in Atlanta
Auburn’s got some history in Atlanta. The Tigers last played there in 2018, and they’ve already been part of the kickoff event three times—2012, 2015, and 2018.
Those games have helped Auburn build a reputation as a team that’s not afraid to take on big challenges in the spotlight.
Impact on Auburn’s 2026 Home Slate
Of course, moving the game does mean fewer home games for Auburn in 2026. The schedule at home now includes just six matchups: Southern Miss, Jacksonville State, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Florida, and LSU.
Some local fans might not love losing a home game, but the hope is that the bigger picture benefits will make up for it.
Historical Context: Auburn vs. Baylor
Auburn and Baylor go way back, with their series starting in 1954. It’s been pretty even over the years.
After Auburn’s 38-24 win in Waco, Texas, the record stands at 2-2-1. That history should add a little extra spice to the 2026 game—should be a good one for college football fans.
For more details, check out the full article on the National Football Post.
Conclusion
Auburn’s decision to move its 2026 game against Baylor to Atlanta is, honestly, a pretty bold move. It really highlights how college football is changing right in front of us.
The school seems to be putting NIL opportunities and national exposure front and center. That’s setting a fresh standard for how universities might handle the twists and turns of today’s sports world.
This game could end up being a big deal—not just for Auburn and Baylor, but for the entire college football scene. It’s tough not to wonder how many schools will follow this playbook.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
