Atlanta, Georgia, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Auburn University has announced that it will relocate its 2026 home football game against Baylor to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This game, scheduled as part of the Aflac Kickoff Game, is set for September 5 and aims to provide unique Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for Auburn players. Auburn will receive 20,645 tickets for the match, while Baylor will have 3,000, aligning with SEC standards. This move is expected to enhance the financial benefits of the Auburn athletics program through significant NIL earnings.
Auburn is relocating its 2026 home football game against Baylor to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The game is scheduled for September 5, 2026, and will be featured as the Aflac Kickoff Game. This change is part of an arrangement that aims to provide Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for Auburn players. The move marks a first in college football for neutral-site games, allowing student-athletes to earn third-party NIL compensation.
Auburn athletic director John Cohen stated that this exposure will benefit student-athletes financially and enhance their personal brands. The Aflac Kickoff Game, held in partnership with the Peach Bowl, will also provide promotional appearances for Auburn players aimed at boosting ticket sales and other related events.
Auburn and Baylor previously met in the season opener of the current year, where Auburn won 38-24 in Waco, Texas. This game was originally set to take place at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium as a return game of a home-and-home series. Under the new arrangement, Auburn will receive an allocation of 20,645 tickets for the game, while Baylor will receive 3,000 tickets reserved for visiting teams, in accordance with SEC standards. The Aflac Kickoff Game will manage the sale of the remaining ticket inventory.
The upcoming game in 2026 will mark only the sixth meeting between Auburn and Baylor since their series began in 1954. The current series record stands at 2-2-1 in favor of Auburn and Baylor combined. Auburn last played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2018, marking this their fourth appearance in the Aflac Kickoff Game.
Auburn’s head coach Hugh Freeze has emphasized the importance of this opportunity for the program’s NIL and recruiting efforts. Acknowledging concerns from fans about having only six true home games in the 2026 season, he stated that the move to Mercedes-Benz Stadium could potentially yield substantial financial benefits for the athletics program.
The Aflac Kickoff Game is recognized as the nation’s longest-running neutral-site game, and it is creating unique opportunities for student-athletes to benefit financially from NIL initiatives directly linked to the event. Reports indicate that this move could result in a $4-8 million financial boost in NIL earnings for Auburn’s athletics program.
The six true home games for Auburn in the 2026 season will take place against Southern Miss, Jacksonville State, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Florida, and LSU.
FAQs
Where will Auburn’s 2026 home football game against Baylor be played?
Auburn is relocating its 2026 home football game against Baylor to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
What is the date of the game?
The game is scheduled for September 5, 2026, and will be featured as the Aflac Kickoff Game.
What opportunities does this move provide for Auburn players?
This change is part of an arrangement that aims to provide Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for Auburn players.
How many tickets will Auburn and Baylor receive for the game?
Auburn will receive an allocation of 20,645 tickets for the game, while Baylor will receive 3,000 tickets reserved for visiting teams.
What is the expected financial impact of the game on Auburn’s athletics program?
Reports indicate that the move could result in a $4-8 million financial boost in NIL earnings for Auburn’s athletics program.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Location | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Game Date | September 5, 2026 |
| NIL Opportunities | First arrangement for third-party NIL compensation in neutral-site college football games |
| Ticket Allocation | Auburn – 20,645; Baylor – 3,000 |
| Series Record | 2-2-1, tied with Auburn and Baylor combined |
| Potential Financial Benefit | $4-8 million boost in NIL earnings |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Auburn Moving 2026 Game vs. Baylor to Atlanta for NIL Benefits
- Reuters: Auburn Shifts 2026 Game vs. Baylor to Atlanta for NIL Boost
- AL.com: Hugh Freeze Defends Moving Auburn-Baylor Game to Atlanta
- Sports Illustrated: Auburn to Face Baylor in Atlanta to Open 2026 Season
- Auburn Tigers: Auburn Football to Face Baylor in 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game
- Wikipedia: Auburn Tigers Football
- Google Search: Auburn football 2026
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Auburn University
- Google Scholar: Auburn Baylor football
- Google News: Auburn Baylor CFB 2026
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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