We head down to Atlanta, where the Auburn Tigers host the Baylor Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Despite being a neutral-site matchup, this is still SEC country, with the Tigers entering as 7.5-point favorites.
This could easily be one of the most exciting matchups of the weekend if both quarterbacks can find their footing early.
Let’s not waste any more time. Here are my Baylor vs. Auburn predictions, and my college football picks are all in on the Tigers in Week 1.
TOP PICK
Baylor vs Auburn prediction: Auburn -7.5
This matchup is going to absolutely rock!
For those unaware, both Baylor and Auburn upgraded at quarterback. The Bears picked up former Florida and No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in his class, DJ Lagway.
Meanwhile, the Tigers not only get Alex Golesh as their new head coach, but they also picked up former USF standout Byrum Brown, who was pure electricity last season.
Brown may be one of the most spoiled QBs entering the year at a new program.
Not only does he have familiarity with the playbook and HC, but he also gets Keshuan Singleton, Jeremiah Koger, Chas Nimrod, Christian Neptune, and Kory Pettigrew — all former USF receivers. Sorry, I am still not done. Brown also gets former USF center Cole Best. The amount of familiarity here is pretty lethal.
Some may argue, "Well, this is the SEC, not the American Conference. How will Brown and his boys look against Power 4 schools?"
Last season, in their 18-17 win over then-No. 13 Florida, Brown threw for more than 260 yards and rushed for more than 66 yards.
He then followed that up with a 274-yard performance in their blowout loss to Miami. Despite that loss to the Hurricanes, Brown and all the other former USF transfers should be ready for Power 4 play.
With Lagway lacking weapons and the Bears' defense not living up to expectations with Dave Aranda at the helm, it is hard to see this as anything but a big breakout game for Auburn.
Be patient for -6.5 or -7, but it is the Tigers or nothing here.
COVERS INTEL: In 2025, Byrum Brown threw for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for more than 1,000 yards, the fourth-most among FBS quarterbacks.
Baylor vs Auburn combo: 2.90x
The chemistry should be there with Auburn’s offense, and with Aranda’s defense failing to live up to expectations despite his defensive background, the Over is the move here.
Lagway should find some success through the air, even with questions surrounding his weapons. He does, however, get former Colorado receiver Dre’lon Miller and Gavin Freeman from Oklahoma State.
Both should provide some much-needed depth to the Bears’ offensive unit.
Baylor vs Auburn combo
- Auburn -6.5
- Over 58.5
Baylor vs Auburn odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Baylor +7.5 | Auburn -7.5
- Over/Under: Over 59.5 (50.76%) | Under 59.5 (52.76%)
- Moneyline: Baylor 28% | Auburn 72%
For the full slate of college football matchups, check out our college football odds board!
More Covers college football betting tools
Baylor vs Auburn weather
This game will be played in a dome.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Baylor vs Auburn trend to know
Baylor has only covered the first-quarter spread in three of their last 12 games (-8.23 Units / -56% ROI).
Find more college football betting trends for Baylor vs. Auburn.
How to watch Baylor vs Auburn
| Location | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Date | Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Baylor vs Auburn latest injuries
Check out our college football injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
