With the SEC announcing on Thursday that football will adopt a nine-game schedule starting in 2026, everyone involved with the Auburn football program or a fan must be thinking one thing: who will the Tigers be given as their third permanent opponent?
While it's not entirely out of the question that the Georgia and the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry could be discontinued, all signs currently point toward the Tigers and Bulldogs continuing to meet on an annual basis. And, considering the chances of the Iron Bowl ever going away (well, again) are none, Auburn and Alabama will continue their fierce battle every year.
Let's break down possible third permanent opponents in different categories.
NO CHANCE
Kentucky
Missouri
Texas A&M
Texas
Oklahoma
Arkansas
FAVORABLE IN MANY WAYS
Mississippi State (Series record: AU 63-31-3): Although this series is heavily in Auburn's favor, the last 10 matchups have seen each team with five games apiece. Considering the logistics with Starkville being just more than four hours from Auburn (and two from Birmingham), getting to these games would be easy for fans of both schools.
Vanderbilt (22-22-1): Though the Commodores have won three out of the last five against Auburn, the Tigers have dominated this series since the 1980s. And, while I'm not the biggest fan of Nashville myself, I know many people who wouldn't turn down a weekend in Music City. Bonus? Fans in North Alabama have a short trip.
SURE, BUT DO WE WANT IT?
Ole Miss (AU 35-13): As long as Lane Kiffin is in Oxford, the Rebels will be a formidable opponent and active on social media. Much like Auburn 30 years ago, finding lodging in and around Oxford can prove to be a problem. I'm not sure how excited Auburn fans would be about this being an annual opponent.
Tennessee (AU 29-22-3): For older fans, this rivalry used to mean a lot. To the younger generations, it seems that the Tigers and Volunteers only play once every blue moon. Much like...
Florida (AU 43-39-2): Awesome rivalry back in the 1980s and 1990s. There were also some memorable moments in the early 2000s when Auburn and Florida met up. The Swamp is a great venue to visit, but with Sanford Stadium and/or Bryant-Denny Stadium possibly on the same schedule, that is a pretty loaded schedule.
DOESN'T MAKE SENSE
South Carolina (AU 10-3-1): I've seen some project the Gamecocks to be Auburn's third permanent opponent, but it just doesn't make sense to me. There's no history or rivalry there outside of the 2013 SEC Championship game.
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
LSU (LSU 33-24-1): Okay, I know I said that playing in one of the most intimidating atmospheres in college football, like the Swamp, wouldn't be good for Auburn's schedule, so saying yes to going to Death Valley every other year is hypocritical. However, here's what we are missing: one of the weirdest, wackiest, insane rivalries to ever exist. Just look back at the games between these two, and I bet at least seven or eight memorable ones come straight to your mind.