Introduction
The 2025 college football season kicked off with a thrilling matchup—Auburn vs Baylor—that had fans on both sides of the spectrum buzzing. The Auburn Tigers managed a commanding 38-24 win on the road, setting the tone for head coach Hugh Freeze’s third year at the helm. This game delivered on all fronts: stellar performances from transfer Jackson Arnold, strategic mastery by Hugh Freeze, fierce opposition from Baylor’s Dave Aranda, and plenty of storylines worth tracking moving forward.
Game Recap: Auburn vs Baylor
In the highly anticipated opener between Baylor vs Auburn, the Tigers came away with a decisive 38-24 victory at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. Auburn’s ground game dominated, producing 307 rushing yards compared to Baylor’s 64. Despite Baylor racking up 419 passing yards, Auburn’s aggressive rushing attack proved too much to handle.
Jackson Arnold: Auburn’s Dynamic New QB
Jackson Arnold, a transfer from Oklahoma, made a statement in his Auburn debut. He led the team with 16 carries, 137 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns, while also completing 11 of 17 passes for 108 yards. His first touchdown—a 24-yard QB keeper—capped a 96-yard drive. His second, a gutsy 27-yard fourth-and-1 run, sealed the win ESPN.comAuburn Tigers Athletics.
Arnold’s explosiveness mirrored his reputation as a former five-star recruit out of Denton Guyer High School in Texas. When asked about his mobility, Arnold humbly stated, “Honestly, no, I didn’t think I’d run that much… but I’ll do what I have to help this team win”.
Auburn’s All-Around Attack
While Arnold grabbed headlines, Auburn’s offense thrived as a collective unit:
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Damari Alston contributed 84 rushing yards and one touchdown, while Jeremiah Cobb added 74 yards and a rushing TD.
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Rayshawn Pleasant electrified the crowd with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, his first since transferring from Tulane.
Baylor’s Offensive Firepower Falls Short
Despite the final score, Baylor’s offense showed vigor. QB Sawyer Robertson completed 27 of 48 passes for 419 yards and three touchdowns, including two on fourth-down conversions to Kobe Prentice and Caiden Knighten. The Bears responded when they needed to, cutting the lead to seven via a Michael Trigg touchdown, but couldn’t overcome Auburn’s consistent pressure.
Hugh Freeze vs Dave Aranda: Coaches in Focus
Auburn’s Hugh Freeze, in his third season, celebrated the win but noted that the performance wasn’t perfect. He credited Baylor’s toughness and acknowledged Auburn’s defense allowed too many passing yards—yet, he highlighted resilience as a foundation for improvement.
On the Baylor side, Dave Aranda, entering his sixth season, couldn’t retake the momentum despite last season’s strong finish. The Bears’ ambitions for a Big 12 title now hinge on their ability to bounce back from this early setback.
What’s Ahead: Auburn’s 2025 Football Schedule
Following their season-opening win, the Auburn football schedule has them hosting Ball State next at Jordan–Hare Stadium, with a 6:30 p.m. CST kickoff airing on ESPU.
The full 2025 schedule reflects SEC matchups and rivals, with Auburn aiming to build momentum from this strong start.
Where to Watch and How to Follow
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Fans can watch Auburn vs Baylor and other Auburn Tigers football games on FOX and ESPU.
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For upcoming matchups, check Auburn’s official schedule or the ESPN platform.
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Baylor fans can tune into their broadcast networks, typically ESPN affiliates, for Big 12 games.
Player Highlights and Stats
| Player | Team | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Arnold | Auburn | 16 rushes, 137 yds, 2 TD; 11/17, 108 pass yds |
| Damari Alston | Auburn | 16 rushes, 84 yds, 1 TD |
| Jeremiah Cobb | Auburn | 16 rushes, 74 yds, 1 TD |
| Rayshawn Pleasant | Auburn | 98-yd kickoff return TD |
| Sawyer Robertson | Baylor | 27/48, 419 pass yds, 3 TDs |
| Kole Wilson | Baylor | 8 receptions, 134 yds |
| Kobe Prentice | Baylor | TD on fourth-down pass |
| Caden Knighten | Baylor | TD on fourth-down run |
Predictions and What to Watch Next Week
With momentum on their side, Auburn vs Baylor prediction shifts strongly in favor of Auburn if the Tigers maintain their ground dominance. Look for consistent performance from Arnold, strong rushing from Alston and Cobb, and more special teams spark from players like Pleasant.
For Baylor, improvement hinges on tightening the pass defense and leaning more into their own explosive passing game, led by Robertson.
Conclusion
From “Auburn vs Baylor” to “Baylor vs Auburn,” the storylines are rich—Jackson Arnold’s debut, Auburn’s resurrected ground game, coaching narratives, and what’s next in the Auburn football schedule. It’s a thrilling early chapter in the 2025 college football season, with both programs poised for intriguing trajectories.
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