Auburn Hosts Alumni Day To Bring Together Past And Present Tigers Before Season Opener

Auburn’s football program hosted Alumni Day on Saturday to bring back former Tigers from the 1950s through 2020s to remember their times on the Plains and reconnect with this year’s Auburn squad.

Over 200 previous players over the 70 year period were on campus and at the facilities over the weekend to have lunch and attend an open practice while former teammates met up and others spoke with Tigers from before and after their time.

“Auburn was built on the tradition of elite football players with toughness and we’re trying to get as many back around as much as possible,” director of high school and alumni relations Jeris McIntyre said, who spent three years as a wide receiver at Auburn. “Just like our sellouts in Jordan-Hare, Auburn is the best football in the world to me. Seeing my old roommates, guys who played before and after me, it’s a blessing to have them here for this.”

“[There’s] close to 300 former players here, just trying to show them love and come back and support what they helped build,” McIntyre added in a separate X post.

This kind of event is seemingly a rarity that head coach Alex Golesh and McIntyre decided to introduce in an attempt to rebuild the culture of Auburn as they enter a new era to return to the top of the SEC. Golesh brought along McIntyre after he was hired last December to strengthen the bond with previous players.

The affair seemed to be an extreme success, with many of the attendees raving about the opportunity. Former Tiger center Cole Cubelic thanked Golesh, saying he has never seen so many Auburn greats in one area at one time.

“It’s a great experience. It means a lot to you as a player,” Corey Grant, who was a running back from 2013 to 2014, expressed. “When I was here, when guys did come back, it meant a lot to you, being on the practice field, seeing them on the sideline watching, and trying to carry on that torch for them.”

“It puts a smile on my face. There is something special here, the connection all these guys have,” defensive lineman Reggie Torbor from 2000 to 2003 said. “I like the foundation that’s being set, the hard work, and the things that I know ultimately are how you win.”

“It says great things about Auburn and the Auburn spirit,” former defensive lineman Liston Eddins said. “It’s a very positive thing for Auburn, for coach Golesh especially. I think there’s something special in this guy, his determination and details. He understands what this is all about and that’s why I think so many former players turned out today.”

The appreciation for McIntyre setting up this event also poured in from Auburn greats across social media.

✊🏿✊🏿 boys rolled in deep! Great job @JerisMcIntyre https://t.co/nD9xwlz8iw
— Kerryon Johnson (@CoachKerryon) August 22, 2026

The newly integrated Alumni Day will certainly be making a return underneath Golesh. Associate head coach Kodi Burns made sure this was clear following practice.

“Everyone here helped build this place. I ask everybody to come back as much as possible and help our young men grow and know what it means to be an Auburn man.”

“We’re going to take what you guys have built, stand on your shoulders and build this thing back to where it belongs,” Golesh added.

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