Auburn baseball is looking to build on a 2025 season in which the Tigers finished 41-20, won a regional in Plainsman Park and hosted their first-ever Super Regional.
Butch Thompson has the Tigers loaded again as they try to get back to Omaha for the College World Series for the first time since 2022. But first, there's the gauntlet of the SEC schedule that faces Auburn.
After a tough non-conference slate, Thompson's squad starts its conference schedule in Columbia, Missouri, as they face their fellow Tigers.
Some positives and negatives from Auburn's 2026 SEC schedule:
Positive: No Tennessee means no Tony Vitello
The most despised head coach in the SEC, Tennessee's Vitello, brings his hotheadedness to every game, which translates to his team. Several seasons ago, the Vols coach and then-Auburn pitching coach Tim Hudson seemed close to getting into a full-on fight. Thompson and his crew don't have to put up with Vitello's antics this season.
Negative: Missouri in March
It's not always warm no matter where you play at the beginning of the conference schedule, but assuredly it will be much colder in Columbia than in other parts of the SEC landscape. The Tigers better bring their warmest jackets.
Positive: Missing LSU
If there is one constant in SEC baseball, it is LSU being good. The Bayou Bengals won their eighth national title last season, and second in three years, and will likely return a squad that can do it again.
Positive: Thompson gets a homecoming
Auburn travels to Starkville for a series on May 8-10 as the Tigers' head coach gets another homecoming at a school where he spent seven years as an assistant.
Positive/Negative: Trip to College Station
I list it as both because Texas A&M fans turn Olsen Field into one of the best home-field advantages in college baseball, while also making it enjoyable.
Complete SEC schedule
Date Opponent Location
Mar. 13-15 Missouri Columbia, Mo.
Mar. 20-22 Texas Auburn, Ala.
Mar. 27-29 Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Apr. 2-4 Arkansas Auburn, Ala.
Apr. 10-12 Kentucky Auburn, Ala.
Apr. 17-19 Florida Gainesville, Fla.
Apr. 24-26 Oklahoma Auburn, Ala.
May 1-3 Texas A&M College Station, Texas
May 8-10 Mississippi State Starkville, Miss.
May 14-16 Georgia Auburn, Ala.