Who are Auburn’s top nonconference rivals?
Although these programs do not reside within the SEC, Auburn fans love to hate these teams.
Auburn of course has a long, storied history with teams in the SEC, but there are several (mostly local) teams that Auburn has built a rivalry with over the years. Most of these teams we wish were still on Auburn’s schedule every season.
For this list, we took suggestions from fans on Twitter. We also looked back at some of the more memorable games against nonconference teams over the years.
Who are Auburn’s top nonconference rivals? Here’s a look.
Football- Florida State
This rivalry goes back to 1954 when Auburn knocked off Florida State, 33-0. The Tigers and Seminoles have played 19 times in history, with Auburn holding a 13-5-1 advantage. The most recent game ended in heartbreak for Auburn, as the Seminoles defeated Auburn in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game on a last-minute touchdown pass.
Basketball- Virginia
Auburn has only played Virginia eight times in history, but the Cavaliers left a horrid taste in Auburn fans’ mouths following the 2019 Final Four matchup. From the Ty Jerome double-dribble to the phantom foul on Kyle Guy at the buzzer, Auburn basketball fans have a true disdain for Virginia.
Baseball- Georgia Tech
The last known relic of this rivalry is in baseball. Auburn and Georgia Tech have squared off 27 times in history, but both programs have done a great job of keeping this rivalry relevant. After skipping the 2022 season, the Tigers and Yellow Jackets played twice in 2023, with each team earning an extra-inning win at their home ballpark. Prior to 2022, Auburn and Georgia Tech played every season from 2015-21, and every year from 1999-2005.
Softball- Oklahoma
Like many programs across the country, Oklahoma has had its way with Auburn over the years. The two programs played two games in 2023 at the very site of the 2016 Women’s College World Series final, in which Oklahoma defeated Auburn in three games. Game two of the 2016 final is one of the most exciting games in Auburn softball history, as Tiffany Howard robbed a home run in the top of the 6th inning to keep the score 7-7. Emily Carosone would hit a walk-off grand slam to force a third game in the 8th inning.
Football- Clemson
For two teams who have never shared a conference, these two teams sure have played a lot. Auburn and Clemson have played 51 times, with Auburn holding a 34-15-2 advantage. Auburn once won 14 straight games in the series between 1952-2010. However, Clemson has won four straight games dating back to 2011.
Baseball- Florida State
When it comes to Auburn baseball, it is a rarity for the Tigers to not meet up with Florida State in the postseason. Out of the 25 games that these two teams have played against each other, only 12 games have been played in the regular season. After taking many trips to Tallahassee over the years, Auburn finally got the chance to host Florida State in the NCAA Regionals in 2022, which ended with a 21-7 win for the Tigers.
Softball- Clemson
Clemson’s softball program is young, but that has not stopped a rivalry from forming with Auburn. Over the last two seasons, Clemson has hosted Auburn for the NCAA Regionals. Clemson defeated Auburn in their only meeting in 2022, but these two teams played three times during the 2023 NCAA Regionals, with Clemson defeating Auburn twice to advance to the Super Regionals against eventual champion Oklahoma.
Football- Georgia Tech
These old SEC rivals have played a total of 92 times. Auburn has played Georgia Tech more often than any SEC program outside of Georgia and Mississippi State, even Alabama. From the wreck Tech pajama parades to the Loachapoka story buried in Auburn lore, it is a rivalry game that needs to find its way back on Auburn’s schedule.
