What was one of the worst-kept secrets is now fact. Auburn and Baylor will battle in Atlanta to begin next season for the Aflac Kickoff Game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, not in Jordan-Hare Stadium on the Plains as planned, the Auburn athletic department announced on Monday.
“Any time we have the ability to advance Auburn student-athletes’ ability to earn third-party NIL compensation, we will take that opportunity,” said Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen. “The exposure of playing on a national stage against a Power Four opponent in one of the premier neutral-site games in the country will not only benefit our student-athletes financially, but it will also enhance their brands. This is not only a win for Auburn student-athletes but for Auburn Athletics.”
The reasoning makes sense, as the Tigers will still enjoy a huge home-field advantage, given that Auburn has the second-largest alumni base in Georgia's capital city, plus the short hour-and-a-half drive to Atlanta from Auburn.
The Tigers will also be on the receiving end of close to $5 million in NIL opportunities, according to the report.
Auburn and Baylor opened this season in Waco, Texas, with the Tigers coming away with a 38-24 victory.