Saturday's Baylor and Auburn matchup in Atlanta offers an intriguing early test between two programs trying to turn the page. The Bears and Tigers meet in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one year after Auburn went into Waco and defeated Baylor 38-24. That 2025 meeting was decided largely on the ground, with Auburn rushing for 307 yards while holding Baylor to just 64.
Much has changed since then, particularly at quarterback. Auburn begins the Alex Golesh era with former South Florida star Byrum Brown running the offense. Brown followed Golesh to Auburn after an outstanding 2025 season in which he accounted for 4,166 yards of total offense and 42 touchdowns, including 1,008 rushing yards and 14 scores. His familiarity with Golesh's up-tempo system should give Auburn an unusual level of continuity for a first-year coaching staff.
Baylor has its own high-profile new quarterback in DJ Lagway, the former Florida starter and one-time No. 1 quarterback recruit. Lagway threw for 4,179 yards and 28 touchdowns over two seasons with the Gators and now returns to his home state of Texas to lead Dave Aranda's Bears. He replaces Sawyer Robertson, who threw for 3,681 yards and 31 touchdowns last season.
Lagway's challenge will be rebuilding chemistry with a receiving corps that lost Baylor's five leading pass catchers from last season, including Josh Cameron and All-America tight end Michael Trigg. That could make the running game and Lagway's ability to create outside structure especially important early.
Defensively, Baylor believes it has made major improvements up front. Aranda has called the defensive line a team strength after the Bears added several experienced transfers, including Hosea Wheeler, Jamaal Whyce Jr., Traevon Mitchell and Kamren Washington. That unit may determine whether Baylor can prevent Brown from recreating the rushing problems Auburn caused the Bears a year ago.
For Auburn, the question is how quickly a dramatically rebuilt roster comes together. Golesh added 39 transfers, including nine offensive linemen, as he reshaped the program around his fast-paced offense.
Baylor has enough talent at quarterback to make this dangerous, and Lagway's combination of arm strength and mobility gives the Bears upset potential. But Brown is already completely comfortable in Golesh's system, and Auburn should have an athletic advantage at several spots.