AUBURN, Ala. — The Auburn Tigers open the 2026 season Saturday in Atlanta against the Baylor Bears, where the Tigers will look to build on last season’s 38-24 win in Waco. Auburn ran for 307 yards in that matchup, but with both teams looking much different in 2026, can the Tigers rely on a similar strategy? Here are three things to watch for in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday.
Put pressure on Lagway
Former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway will start for Baylor on Saturday, marking Auburn’s first time facing the junior quarterback. A former five-star recruit, Lagway has an extremely powerful arm and physical rushing ability. However, that ability has not always shone through in his play.
In two seasons at Florida, Lagway threw 23 interceptions compared with 28 touchdowns, a less-than-ideal ratio. His struggles have often stemmed from rushing mechanics, susceptibility to disguised coverages, and an inability to handle pressure. If Auburn can consistently pressure Lagway, the Tigers could create opportunities for turnovers.
That pass rush will be led by Ole Miss transfer Da’Shawn Womack, senior Chris Murray, and sophomore Jared Smith. Womack and Smith provide Auburn with size and power, while Smith also has the initial burst to create pressure. Murray brings a steadier presence on the other side of the line, adding strength and consistency to the group. However, the three combined for just 7.5 sacks in 2025 and will need to increase production in 2026.
The Tigers are not solely reliant on edge rushers to generate pass rush. Auburn has significant blitzing ability at linebacker, headlined by Xavier Atkins’ nine sacks in 2025. Elijah Melendez and Bryce Deas will also provide athleticism off the second level against a reshuffled Baylor offensive line. If Auburn can consistently generate pressure, it could force Lagway to make quick decisions, creating opportunities for mistakes.
Limit Pendergrass’ production
Baylor is likely to rely heavily on senior running back Dawson Pendergrass, who returned after missing the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury that required surgery. Pendergrass showed his potential in 2024, rushing for 671 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore, while averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
If Auburn wants to rush Lagway and force mistakes in the passing game, it will start by keeping Pendergrass contained to ideally under four yards per carry. That responsibility will fall largely on Arkansas State transfer Cody Sigler, Dallas Walker IV, and the aforementioned linebackers. Last year’s Auburn defense ranked No. 10 in the nation in rushing yards per game, allowing on average just 99.3 yards on the ground.
The Tigers will need a similar performance from their defense on Saturday to make the Baylor offense one-dimensional. If Auburn can force Baylor into predictable passing situations, its pass rushers can attack with a more aggressive plan, particularly on third-and-long. Consistent pressure on the Baylor attack would set up Alex Golesh’s new offense in a more favorable situation to kick off the season and settle in.
Do What You Promised
Alex Golesh promised that he would “run the piss out of the ball” in the offseason, a philosophy that could mirror Auburn’s method of moving the ball last time it faced Baylor. The Tigers rushed for 307 yards against a Baylor defense that finished the season No. 122 nationally in rushing defense. The Bears, however, made an effort to address that weakness during the offseason.
Five of Baylor’s top six defensive linemen are newly acquired transfers, including Indiana’s Hosea Wheeler and South Carolina’s Zavion Hardy. The loss of standout run stopper Jackie Marshall to the NFL, however, cannot be overstated. Marshall was a small stone wall in the middle of a Baylor defense, and even replacing him in the aggregate will be extremely difficult.
Auburn also has the depth at running back to test Baylor’s front with fresh legs. Jeremiah Cobb will lead the rotation, but sophomore Omar Mabson II is another talented player, expected to fill the backup role. Third in the rotation is a player the Bears know well: Baylor transfer Bryson Washington.
Washington was a 1,000-yard and 12-touchdown rusher in 2024, but much of his 2025 season was hampered and eventually cut short by injury. He reportedly has had issues staying in the desired playing shape, but Washington will be a powerful runner who could move up the depth chart if he can stay healthy.
If the Tigers execute in those three areas, Auburn will be well positioned to leave Atlanta 1-0 and begin the Alex Golesh era on The Plains. Saturday’s Aflac Kickoff Game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CDT on ABC.
