Auburn Tigers

The Auburn Tigers are the athletic teams of Auburn University, and the football program, which began in 1892, plays at Jordan–Hare Stadium [1][2]. Auburn joined the Southeastern Conference in 1932 and is one of ten founding SEC members still in the league [1][2]. It has three Heisman Trophy winners, eight SEC championships, and national titles in 1957 and 2010 from the major wire-service polls, among nine claimed in all [1].

War Eagle and early years

In the first game in 1892, against Georgia, an eagle reportedly broke free and flew over the field, inspiring the “War Eagle!” cry [2]. John Heisman coached Auburn from 1895 to 1899, going 12–4–2 [2]. Auburn had 11 coaches in its first 16 years [2].

Coaches and championships

Ralph “Shug” Jordan coached from 1951 to 1975, the longest tenure in school history, and won about 175 to 176 games; his 1957 team went 10–0 and won Auburn’s first SEC title and first AP national championship, though NCAA sanctions kept it out of the postseason [1][2]. Pat Dye (1981–92) won four SEC titles, and his 1983 team went 11–1 with a 9–7 Sugar Bowl win over Michigan [1][2]. Gene Chizik led the 2010 team to 14–0, a 56–17 SEC title game win over South Carolina and a 22–19 win over Oregon in the BCS National Championship Game on January 10, 2011 [1]. The 2004 team went 13–0 but was left out of the title game [2]. Auburn claims nine national titles, but only 1957 and 2010 came from the major wire-service polls, and the 1983 claim is disputed [1]. Alex Golesh was named head coach on November 30, 2025 [1].

Heisman winners and Hall of Famers

Pat Sullivan won the 1971 Heisman; Bo Jackson won in 1985 and was the No. 1 NFL pick in 1986; Cam Newton won in 2010 and was the 2011 No. 1 pick [1][2]. Auburn has 12 College Football Hall of Famers, eight players and four coaches [2].

Rivalries

The Iron Bowl against Alabama is the signature rivalry; Wikipedia lists Alabama ahead 52–37–1 through 2025 [1]. Auburn has played Georgia 118 times in a series dating to 1892 [2]. Compare the Alabama Crimson Tide. Home games are played at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn.

Program overview

The Tigers compete in NCAA Division I FBS in the Southeastern Conference, sponsoring 21 varsity teams in 15 sports. Colors are burnt orange and navy blue.[3]

Mascot and traditions

Aubie, an anthropomorphic tiger, began as a cartoon on football program covers in 1959, was introduced as a live mascot in 1979 and has won a record eleven mascot national championships. War Eagle is the battle cry; its most popular origin story is a Civil War veteran’s pet eagle soaring over the first Auburn-Georgia game in 1892.[3]

Championships and history

Auburn played the first football game in the Deep South in 1892 against Georgia. The football program claims national titles in 1910, 1913, 1957, 1983, 1993 and 2010 among others, and the 2004 and 2010 teams finished undefeated. Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson and Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy. The rivalry with Alabama is the Iron Bowl.[3]

FAQs

How many national titles has Auburn claimed? Nine claimed; 1957 and 2010 are wire-service titles [1].

Who coached the 2010 team? Gene Chizik [1].

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Auburn Tigers football
2. Saturday Down South: 20 interesting facts about Auburn football
3. Wikipedia: Auburn Tigers

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue