Auburn, Jax State reach deal to play in 2026

Auburn football has added a challenging game to its 2026 slate.

The Anniston Star reported Friday that Auburn will host in-state foe Jax State for a non-SEC game as part of its 2026 slate. Auburn Undercover confirmed that the date for the game is scheduled for Sept. 26 of that season.

Jax State athletic director Greg Seitz told the Anniston Star that he expects the game with Auburn to be competitive and a great experience for Gamecocks players and coaches.

“We’ve had the chance to play down there before, and it was obviously a competitive game,” Seitz said. “This is a great opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

The 2026 game will be a rematch of the 2015 game that ended in near disaster for the Tigers. Jax State took a 10-6 lead into halftime and scored 10 points in the 4th quarter to force overtime. Auburn running back Payton Barber rushed for four yards for a score in the extra period to give Auburn the 27-20 win.

This will mark the second time in history that Auburn and Jax State will meet on the gridiron. Jax State is also the third non-SEC game to grace Auburn’s 2026 schedule, joining Baylor and Southern Miss.

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