FIRST LOOK: Can Alex Golesh Shock Kirby Smart? Auburn vs. Georgia Preview

The Auburn Tigers football season can't come soon enough. 

As exciting as the offseason has been on the Plains with the arrival of Alex Golesh as head coach, multiple big time transfers from the portal, and the momentum growing from the upcoming 2027 recruiting class, nothing beats the opening kickoff. 

As we patiently wait for September 5 to roll around, Auburn Roundtable has launched an Offseason Opponent Preview for the Tigers upcoming season. Over the next few weeks, we will break down each one of Auburn's games on the schedule. 

Let's get to it. 

Week 7: October 17, 2026, Afternoon Time Window

Auburn at Georgia

Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia

After Auburn's only bye week of the season, they will head to Athens to take on a hungry Georgia Bulldogs team. The program went 12-2 last season but failed to make the National Championship game after falling to Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. 

Past History with Georgia: It could be a historic victory for Alex Golesh if he were to take down Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs the first time around, as they have had Auburn's number. Georgia has won the last 9 games against Auburn dating back to the 2017 season. The Bulldogs own the all-time record against the Tigers 66-56-8 in a series that dates back to 1892.

Georgia Snapshot: Don't be fooled by the last few seasons of Georgia Football. Just because they haven't made it to the National Championship game since 2023 doesn't mean they are falling out of the national picture. Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs have battled for the SEC title 8 of the last 9 seasons, and bring back one of the nation's top quarterbacks in Gunner Stockton. They also hold on to the most favorable schedule within the conference heading into the new year. They will likely be back in Atlanta once again. 

Key Matchups: Georgia has been known during the Smart Era to have an elite defense, and that should be no different in 2026. With 13 players returning on defense this year who logged 200 or more snaps, it will be intriguing to see how Byrum Brown, the Auburn running game, and Alex Golesh's offensive scheme compete against arguably their toughest task of the season. 

Interesting Storyline to Watch: Looking back to last season's game between these two teams, Auburn had a 7-0 lead heading into halftime. If it wasn't for a goal line fumble, this game certainly could have gone the other direction. There might be a new coaching staff on The Plains, but DJ Durkin and his defense remain, the unit that held the Bulldogs to under 300 yards of total offense last October. 

Game Importance Ranking: When taking the 12 game schedule as a whole, this feels like the 6th most important game of the season. I don't think anyone is predicting Auburn to win this game before we see how Golesh and his new roster play this year, so falling in Athens wouldn't hurt your resume as a first year coach one bit. However, if you win, it could certainly change the entire national perspective. 

What's Next: The Auburn Tigers will head back home to take on Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers on October 24. 

Be sure to check out Auburn Roundtable for more Offseason Opponent Previews as well as other original content daily.