Auburn football's mission in year one under new head coach Alex Golesh is to establish a strong identity and improve from last year's situation. Although the Tigers may not be competing for any championships in 2026, they have a chip on their shoulder and a lot to prove, and they could end up sowing some chaos for their SEC foes.
Recently, the Georgia Bulldogs have taken a big step forward in the recruitment of edge rusher Kameron McGee, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2028. The edge has been growing closer with the Dawgs, and has set a visit to Athens on Oct. 17, the same day that Georgia will host the Auburn Tigers for the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry.
According to Dawn of the Dawg, a solid takedown of the Tigers could be the key to getting McGee to hop on board with Kirby Smart and Georgia.
"The Auburn game is one of Georgia's most important matchups every season," Trevor Michael wrote. "Auburn hasn't been much of a threat in the SEC during the last decade, but as one of Georgia's rivals they are always an important team to beat.
"If Georgia can dominate Auburn and get a big win on the field that will only increase their chances of winning McGee's recruitment. If however they struggle or somehow lose then that could immediately end McGee's interest in Georgia."
Of course, the Dawgs have several factors on their side. The game is on their home turf in Athens, they've beaten Auburn for the last nine years in a row, the last time Auburn won a game in Athens was in 2005 and the Tigers are also in a rebuilding year with a first year head coach. That being said, it gives Auburn the perfect opportunity to pull off a major upset and make McGee question whether or not Georgia is the team he wants to play for.
Georgia has already signed the No. 2 overall recruit in the class of 2028, 5-star quarterback Jayden Wade, but perhaps the Tigers can keep them from signing the No. 1 overall recruit in the class. Also trying to earn a commitment from McGee are Notre Dame, Miami and Oregon with Notre Dame emerging as a slight favorite.
Come October, the stakes will be higher than ever for the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs.
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