The Alabama heat could be a major player in college football this weekend. The University of Alabama will open its 2026 football season with a home game against East Carolina on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Auburn University is hosting Baylor at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The SEC's agreement with ESPN continues to pay off for both sides, as millions tuned in to watch the league's teams play in Week 1.

Here's a preseason look-ahead to Auburn football's regular-season finale, the 91st Iron Bowl, including a rundown of Alabama.

Here's what the Auburn Tigers on SI staff thinks will happen in the first season of the Alex Golesh area.