This past Thursday the Southeastern Conference announced that it will be implementing a nine-game football schedule beginning in 2026.
“Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “This format protects rivalries, increases competitive balance, and paired with our requirement to play an additional Power opponent, ensures SEC teams are well prepared to compete and succeed in the College Football Playoff.”
Under this format each school will play three annual opponents, keeping historic rivalry games intact. Auburn’s annual opponents are expected to be Alabama and Georgia while the third remains to be determined.
Many are speculating that Auburn’s third opponent could be the LSU Tigers, Florida Gators, or the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and each team has a strong case.
LSU Tigers
From 1992 to 2023, the two squads met every season in the “Tiger Bowl.” From the Earthquake Game to the Barn Burner, this matchup has made for some iconic moments.
Auburn’s last win against the Bayou Bengals came on the road in 2021, with Bo Nix leading the way for the orange and blue.
LSU leads the all-time series 30-24-1.
Florida Gators
From 1945 to 2002, the Gators and Tigers played 58 consecutive annual games.
From stunning No. 1 Florida in 1994 and again in 2001 to countless other memorable battles, this rivalry has delivered plenty of iconic moments.
Auburn has not hosted Florida in Jordan-Hare Stadium since 2011 so it would make a lot of sense for the SEC to bring this annual game back so younger fans can get their first taste of this rivalry.
The Tigers lead the all-time series 43-39-2.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
While compared to LSU and Florida, the Bulldogs and Tigers aren’t fierce rivals but they have a storied history of playing one another.
In Auburn’s 133-year history, they have faced the Bulldogs 96 times, the second most against one opponent behind Georgia.
In their last matchup in 2023, the Tigers took down the Bulldogs 27-13, led by Payton Thorne who posted 230 passing yards and three touchdowns.
According to the Mississippi State Athletics website, the Tigers lead the all-time series 66-28-2.
Because Auburn is expected to face Alabama and Georgia annually, the SEC might want to make the Tigers’ third annual opponent less of a national powerhouse and the Bulldogs would fit that bill.
“The SEC has established itself as the leader in delivering the most compelling football schedule in college athletics,” Sankey said. “Fans will see traditional rivalries preserved, new matchups more frequently, and a level of competition unmatched across the nation.”
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Rory is a freshman majoring in journalism sports production. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @RorymGarvin
