Baylor Bears vs Auburn Tigers Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 5, 2026

By: David Anicetti Published 08/30/2026, 10:32 PM ET

The Baylor Bears face the Auburn Tigers on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the Aflac Kickoff. Baylor finished 5-7 overall last season, while Auburn also went 5-7. The Bears dropped their final three games of 2025, including a 31-24 loss to Houston, while Auburn finished with a 27-20 loss to Alabama. Auburn enters as a 7-point favorite, with the total set at 59.5 points. Start the new season with our free NCAAF picks.

Baylor Bears Preview

Baylor's offense has plenty of potential with Florida transfer DJ Lagway taking over at quarterback. The Bears threw for 3,715 yards last season, and Lagway joins an attack that added receivers Dre'lon Miller and Gavin Freeman alongside Louis Brown IV. Caden Knighten and Dawson Pendergrass will handle more of the rushing work after Bryson Washington departed, but protecting the football is critical after Baylor committed 24 turnovers last season.

The defense is where Baylor needs major improvement after allowing close to 400 yards per game in 2025. The Bears were 0-7 when surrendering more than 165 rushing yards but 5-0 when holding opponents below that mark. Indiana transfer Hosea Wheeler strengthens the defensive front, while Kyland Reed and Travion Barnes give Baylor experience at linebacker. Safety Jacob Redding returns after recording 53 tackles and three interceptions.

Auburn Tigers Preview

Auburn begins the Alex Golesh era with an offense built to play at a much faster pace. Golesh's South Florida offense averaged 489 yards and 40.5 points per game last season, and quarterback Byrum Brown followed him to Auburn after throwing 28 touchdown passes and rushing for more than 1,000 yards with 14 scores. Receivers Keshaun Singleton, Jeremiah Koger, Chas Nimrod and Christian Neptune also made the move from USF, giving Brown familiar targets immediately.

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The Tigers return a defense that ranked 29th nationally in total defense and recorded 30 sacks last season. Linebacker Xavier Atkins leads the group after producing 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks, while Kaleb Harris returns after making 50 tackles at safety. Auburn was particularly strong against the run, with only Alabama, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt averaging more than 3.3 yards per carry against the Tigers.

Baylor Bears vs Auburn Tigers Prediction

Both offenses have the pieces to produce points, but Auburn has an advantage because Brown already knows Golesh's system and is surrounded by several former USF teammates. Baylor's Lagway brings considerable talent, but he enters with a rebuilt offensive line and must improve his ball security after throwing 14 interceptions at Florida last season. Auburn's defensive front also creates a difficult opening matchup for Baylor's reshaped offensive line. The Bears have enough passing talent to generate scoring opportunities, but Auburn can apply pressure while forcing Lagway into difficult situations. Brown's ability to attack through the air and on the ground gives Baylor another problem after its defense struggled against the run last year. Auburn will use its faster offensive pace to create separation and take control in the second half. Final Score Prediction: Auburn Tigers win and cover ATS, 34-23.