In a bit of a shakeup for college football, Auburn University’s announced it’ll move its 2026 home game against Baylor to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This isn’t just about the venue—it’s tied to a new arrangement with the Aflac Kickoff Game, aiming to boost Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for Auburn players.
It’s the first time a neutral-site college football game has been set up specifically to create NIL benefits for student-athletes. The Peach Bowl and the Aflac game are teaming up to organize promotional appearances for Auburn players, which could give their wallets—and their personal brands—a real boost.
Auburn’s Strategic Move for NIL Opportunities
John Cohen, Auburn’s athletic director, said the move is all about giving student-athletes more chances to earn third-party NIL compensation. Playing on a national stage against a Power 4 opponent in one of the country’s top neutral-site games should help the players financially and give their brands a bit of extra shine.
The Game Details
The matchup was originally supposed to be the second game of a home-and-home series. Now, it’ll play out in the glitzy setting of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Auburn gets 20,645 tickets, while Baylor receives the SEC standard of 3,000 for visiting teams. The Aflac Kickoff Game will sell the rest. This will be just the sixth meeting between Baylor and Auburn since 1954, and the series is all tied up at 2-2-1. Auburn took the last one in Waco.
Implications for Auburn and Baylor
For Auburn, this is a pretty unique way to get their players in front of a national audience. It could help with recruiting and maybe even shift how people see Auburn’s football program.
Baylor gets a shot at a high-profile game, which never hurts when you’re trying to catch the eye of future recruits or just raise your program’s profile a bit.
Financial and Brand Benefits
The financial upside for Auburn players is obvious. Those promotional appearances and NIL deals, set up by the Peach Bowl and the Aflac game, mean players can make money beyond their scholarships.
This fits right in with where college sports are heading—student-athletes using their NIL rights to earn some real rewards. It’s a sign of the times, and maybe just the beginning.
Conclusion
Auburn’s choice to shift its 2026 game against Baylor to Atlanta for the Aflac Kickoff Game feels like a bold move in college football. They’re weaving NIL opportunities right into the experience for their players.
It’s not just about money—players get to build their own brands, and the university’s football program gets a little more shine too. Curious for more? The full story’s over on ESPN’s website [here](https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46512476/auburn-moving-26-game-vs-baylor-atlanta-nil-benefits).
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