The phrase, “It Just Means More,” has taken on an iconic brand for the SEC. The slogan represents more than just competition — it embodies the passion, expectations and sense of community that define SEC football.
The SEC was formed in 1933 during the height of the Great Depression, creating much-needed economic, educational and social impact in the southeast. These contributions have lived on, and the conference has evolved into a culture that can almost feel religious at times.
In 2016, the SEC announced the “It Just Means More” branding campaign, attempting to embody the history and legacy of the conference by highlighting the significance of being part of SEC culture. Auburn alumna and actress Wynn Everett was selected as the on-screen ambassador for the campaign, and her debut commercial cemented the slogan as a defining symbol of the SEC.
For Auburn, “It Just Means More” means living up to a legacy that expects success, especially at home and especially against SEC opponents. As the Tigers open conference play at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday against Arkansas, they have the chance to show they understand the stakes of “It Just Means More” and set the tone for Auburn’s SEC presence this season.
Coaches and players feel more pressure in SEC games — the stakes are higher. A team’s performance in conference play, especially at home, affects the team’s legacy, recruitment and fan loyalty.
The Tigers have not posted a winning record in conference play since the 2020–21 season, with a 3-5 finish in 2021–22, a 2-6 record in 2022–23 and another 3-5 mark last season. A victory on Saturday would give Auburn an early boost in SEC play, bringing the team one step closer to its first winning conference record in four years.
Auburn’s conference schedule is no cake-walk this season as the Tigers are slated to face five teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25: No. 2 Georgia, No. 4 Alabama, No. 7 Missouri, No. 15 Oklahoma and No. 25 Texas A&M. The road to a winning SEC record may be daunting, but it is not impossible for Auburn. A strong start against Arkansas is critical, especially with such a loaded conference schedule looming. Every game carries weight, not just for this season but for the broader reputation of Auburn football in a conference where every game just means more.
Auburn fans may be accustomed to the highs and lows of SEC play, but they still demand excellence, and for good reason. SEC tradition and Auburn’s past successes have set the bar high, and teams are often judged not by overall records but by how they fare against conference rivals. The Tigers’ ability to navigate their tough schedule will be a test of their depth, talent and coaching, with no margin for error in the unforgiving SEC.
Auburn needs to affirm its identity within the SEC as the conference expands and becomes more dominant. The Tigers have the talent to compete, but success in this conference goes beyond raw skill. Success is about how a team responds to adversity, rises to the occasion in big moments and embodies the spirit of competition that makes the SEC mean more.
A win on Saturday is crucial for Auburn and its broader identity, but SEC play is not just about wins and losses — it is about representing a culture and history that is deeply rooted in Auburn football. The Tiger Walk is more than a pre-game tradition; it is a ritual that embodies the unbreakable bond between the team and its supporters. And inside Jordan-Hare, the roar of "War Eagle" as the eagle soars is more than just a cheer; it is a powerful declaration of unity that echoes through generations of Auburn fans.
These traditions do more than just energize the fan base. They remind the players of the legacy they are tasked with upholding every time they step onto the field. Legacies, however, are secured and upheld with wins, and for Auburn, Saturday’s game offers an opportunity not just to win, but to show the team understands that SEC play requires an “It Just Means More” mentality.
In the SEC, every snap, every yard and every victory carry a legacy, and that legacy just means more.
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Grace Heim is a senior from Enterprise, Alabama, majoring in Political Science. She started with The Plainsman in January of 2023.
You can follow her on X (Twitter) at @graceeheim
