Auburn soccer will kick off its 2026 season by hosting No. 25 Clemson on August 11 at 6 p.m. CT, followed by a matchup with Jacksonville State on August 14 at 6:30 p.m. CT. Head coach James Armstrong emphasizes the team鈥檚 strong camaraderie and the solid core of 14 returners amid 14 new players, including seven transfers. Notable players include fifth-year captain Dylan Driver and transfer Hannah Bell. The team seeks to improve upon their 2025 record and face strong opposition from Clemson, who has a substantial competitive history against Auburn.

By the Numbers
  • Auburn's record in 2025 was 5-6-7 overall and 1-3-6 in conference play.
  • Clemson's record in 2025 was 8-5-6 overall and 4-4-2 in ACC play.
  • Auburn has hosted Jacksonville State 7 times, winning 5 of those matches.
Yes, But

Despite strong recruitment and returning players, Auburn faces challenges with improvement against seasoned teams like Clemson, who boasts a deeper experience with most players returning this season.

State of Play
  • The Auburn roster features 14 newcomers alongside 14 returning players for the 2026 season.
  • Auburn's 2026 opening match serves as a rematch of the previous season's opener, which they won 4-0 against Clemson.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Auburn's performance against Clemson will serve as an indicator of their competitive readiness, which could elevate their positioning in both conference and national standings moving forward.

Bottom Line

Auburn鈥檚 soccer program is set for an exciting season opener against a ranked opponent. Their ability to integrate new talent with returning leaders will be crucial for their success, particularly against a formidable Clemson team.