This is the biggest series yet of the 2026 college baseball season. Two top-five teams are set for a meaningful matchup that could have lasting consequences as the No. 2 Texas Longhorns head to Alabama for a three-game weekend series against the No. 4 Auburn Tigers.
The Longhorns suffered a tough 6-1 loss to Tarleton State midweek, but are undoubtedly one of the best teams in college baseball so far this season. Coach Jim Schlossnagle’s team is 18-2 this year, with wins over Ohio State, Michigan State and No. 20 Coastal Carolina.
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Over the weekend, Texas took the SEC conference schedule from Ole Miss with a 3-2 record. Last Friday’s loss to the Rebels was UT’s first loss of the year. The Horns and Tigers rank in the top five in the SEC in batting average and strikeouts, and rank first and second, respectively, in team ERA.
What else should fans know about Auburn Longhorns? We asked Tyler Jones of the Auburn Press some questions ahead of the big weekend series. We also answered some Texas-related questions for Tigers fans.
1. Auburn defeated No. 3 Georgia Tech this week. How impactful will this win be among the Auburn fan base?
Auburn Line: This is huge as Auburn passes its first test in a historic week on the Plains. The game against No. 3 Georgia Tech is the most-watched matchup in Plainsman Park history and will keep the title alive for three days as No. 2 Texas Tech arrives this weekend. Auburn’s bats have really helped their pitching the last two games and it looks like the team is really coming together for a great moment.
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2. Historically, Auburn has had success in baseball but has never broken through and won the College World Series. Do you think this team can win it all?
Auburn Line: This was indeed the case in the early days. Pitching was a concern during the last two trips to Omaha, but now it appears that pitching has caught up with the bats and Auburn could be a dangerous team this season. Baseball, however, is a “just in time” sport, so its dominance must last until late in the season.
3. What is Auburn’s biggest weakness?
Auburn Line: So far, it’s been the offense and lineup structure. Auburn doesn’t have a high strikeout rate, but it struggles to piece together runs and provide support for its starting pitchers. However, Auburn has allowed 18 points in its past two games, so it will be interesting to see how that trend continues this weekend. As far as the lineup goes, there is no set designated hitter, with multiple players playing multiple positions trying to find the right combination. Players like Cade Belyeu and Logan Gregorio contributed but did not play in every game.
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4. Dylan Volantis is 3-0 with a 1.53 ERA and may be the best pitcher in the game. What do you think of him? How will Auburn attack the 6-foot-6 lefty?
Auburn Line: It will be interesting to see how Auburn fares against Valantis, as they seem to do most of their damage to opposing bullpens late in games. I expect Auburn to be patient at the plate and maybe foul out a few pitches to increase his pitch count and get him out of the game earlier than expected.
5. What are your predictions for this series?
Auburn Line: I’ll be looking for Auburn’s bats to attack Texas and get the ball rolling early, and look for Auburn’s starting pitchers, especially Jackson Sanders and Alex Petrovich on Saturday and Sunday, to establish command early and bounce back quickly from adversity. Injury issues to infielder Eric Guevara and center fielder Bristol Carter are also of concern. If they take the field, it will give Auburn a lot more confidence heading into the weekend.
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I’m expecting a really fun, super regional feel this weekend in Auburn, which won 2-1.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Behind Enemy Lines: Auburn Experts Dissect Top 5 Clash with Texas
