The Auburn vs. Baylor matchup is the game of the night on a loaded Friday slate of college football games in Week 1, set to kick-off at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Auburn transfer QB Jackson Arnold will make his debut for the Tigers, who struggled defensively last year and will look to start off on the right foot here. The Baylor Bears will be riding their hot finish in 2024, keeping most of their core starters from that team in tact.
This will be only the fifth time ever these two teams have matched up; they have not played another since 1976, which Baylor won 15-14. This will be uncharted waters for both teams, playing against another power conference team in their season opener.
Below, we'll give you our Auburn vs. Baylor prediction and picks for the college football season on Friday including the top CFB DFS picks on PrizePicks.
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Baylor vs. Auburn Prediction, Preview: Friday, August 28
Baylor enters the season looking to build on the momentum of a six-game winning streak to close out 2024, capped by the emergence of RB Bryson Washington and steady QB play from Sawyer Robertson.
Since taking over at Baylor, coach Dave Aranda has done well in Week 1 games, with a 3-1 record.
Auburn, meanwhile, begins a new chapter after a measly five-win campaign and significant roster turnover. QB Jackson Arnold and WR Cam Coleman will look to spark a fast start on the road with a quality win. This won't be anything new to coach Hugh Freeze, as he owns a 7-2 record in Week 1 openers since 2012.
Auburn Preview
Auburn enters 2025 coming off a disappointing five-win season and will face heavy roster turnover on both sides of the ball.
On offense, the Tigers must replace starting QB Payton Thorne, who left for the NFL after throwing 21 TDs last year. Leading rusher Jarquez Hunter (8 rushing TDs) is now with the Los Angeles Rams, while top WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith (981 yards and 8 TDs) also left in the draft.
Starting tight end and No. 3 receiver Rivaldo Fairweather followed suit, leaving another void in the passing game for the Tigers to fill.
Defensively, Auburn will be without its leading tackler Dorian Mausi and top pass rusher Jalen McLeod, who combined to lead the unit a year ago. With so many playmakers gone, the Tigers will need new leaders to emerge quickly in 2025.
However, that turnover could end up benefitting them — depending on when they gel together. Auburn ranked top 10 in transfers and top 10 in recruiting in 2025, so they may take a huge step up in 2025 from their disappointing 2024.
Baylor Preview
Baylor’s 2024 campaign was a tale of two halves. After a rocky 2–4 start, the Bears caught fire, rattling off six straight wins to close the season and finish on a high note.
The Bears return plenty of production on offense, bringing back 10 starters from 2024. Senior QB Sawyer Robertson threw for 20 TDs against only eight INTs last year.
In the backfield, Bryson Washington emerged as a workhorse, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 10+ TDs while averaging nearly six yards per carry on 175 attempts. WR Josh Cameron led the passing attack with more than 50 catches and 10 TDs, providing a reliable target Robertson will lean on again.
Defensively, Baylor brings back its leading tackler Ketan Thomas and ball-hawking safety Devyn Bobby, who posted three interceptions. The strength of the defense lies up front with Matthew Forbes-White (ranked 8th of 804 edge defenders in pass-rush grade) and Jackie Marshall (72nd of 894 interior linemen) via PFF. That duo provides consistent pressure and will test opposing quarterbacks from the opening snap.
Baylor vs. Auburn Picks for Friday Night
Here are the top college football picks for Baylor vs. Auburn on PrizePicks tonight. Pick More or Less on player stat projections to win real money during college football season on PrizePicks.
Auburn QB Jackson Arnold Projection: 235.5 Passing Yards
Arnold’s sophomore season had its growing pains at Oklahoma, as he only led the Sononers to one win in the SEC before transferring to Auburn. He threw for 12 TDs and INTs with 1,421 yards, but also endured three games under 100 yards passing — albeit against elite defenses in Tennessee, Alabama, and Missouri.
Now he faces a strong Baylor front that thrives at generating pressure. Arnold's Week 1 projection of 236 passing yards is actually higher than any total he reached in 2024 (career high: 226). Learning a new system takes time, and early struggles may rear their head in this Week 1 matchup vs. an experienced defense.
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Auburn WR Cam Coleman Projection: 71.5 Receiving Yards
With WRs Lambert-Smith and Fairweather gone, sophomore Cam Coleman steps into the clear No. 1 receiver role. He flashed elite upside last season, topping 47 receiving yards in every game except three, with breakout performances of 100, 128, and 78 yards — each on 7+ catches.
Coleman will draw favorable matchups, including against inexperienced Baylor corner Levar Thornton, who logged just 163 snaps in 2024.
Although Arnold has his work cut out for him in this matchup, when he does connect, look for Coleman to be his guy — not just this week, but all season long.
Baylor RB Bryson Washington Projection: 88.5 Rushing Yards
RB Bryson Washington was unstoppable down the stretch in 2024, averaging an absurd 129.6 rushing yards per game over Baylor’s final five contests. His combination of burst and vision helped him become one of the most efficient backs in the Big 12, finishing at nearly six yards per carry.
Auburn’s linebacker play could leave the door open for another big outing: Caleb Wheatland ranked 713th of 805 linebackers in run defense, while Demarcus Riddick ranked 597th of 868, via PFF. Washington has a clear path to dominate once again year.
Auburn did have a solid rush defense last year, but not one is shut down, giving up 125.2 yards per game on the ground.
Make College Football Picks on PrizePicks
The Week 1 Baylor vs. Auburn matchup on Friday will set the stage for Saturday's games, and there will be plenty of player picks available for both teams on PrizePicks.
Whether you think Baylor can continue their second half success from 2024, or Auburn can gel quickly with a new QB, you can turn your college football predictions into real money with PrizePicks.
Just pick players from the CFB board, choose More or Less on their stat projections, and put your knowledge to the test.
