Auburn football has now gone three full seasons without being ranked in the AP poll, the longest drought in 47 years.

Now entering Auburn coach Hugh Freeze third season at the helm of the program, expectations are high for the fall season.

In 2024, Auburn loss three games that was by a touchdown or less, leading the conference with 22 turnovers. The Tigers would have finished 8-5 instead of 5-7 if they would have won those games.

Here’s a list of five games this fall that could determine Auburn’s postseason:

Oklahoma (Sept. 20)

Auburn led Oklahoma by double digits in the fourth quarter before squandering the lead with a game sealing interception return.

In quarterback Jackson Arnold first game back in Norman since his transfer, this game will test the resiliency of the Tigers new signal caller.

Baylor (Aug. 29)

For most fans, the season opener game will prove everything they need to know about season.

Spending about 20 million dollars on its current roster, Auburn made key offseason moves to improve from last year. Baylor will test to see if those were the right additions for the Tigers.

Arkansas (Oct. 25)

Auburn should enter this with a chip on its shoulder especially after the Razorbacks 10-point victory at Auburn last season.

Now with the Tigers traveling to Fayetteville this year, a win will position Auburn well in the conference.

Georgia (Oct. 11)

Announced as an 8 p.m. kickoff inside Jordan-Hare stadium, this will be the biggest game of the season for Auburn.

The last time Auburn hosted Geogia, the Bulldogs were ranked No. 1 and won by just a touchdown. To knockoff Georgia, Auburn is going to have to be elite on both sides of the ball.

Alabama (Nov. 29)

The last Iron Bowl played in Auburn saw the Tigers give up the game winning touchdown with seconds remaining on the clock.

Despite the rivalry’s history, moments and state bragging rights, Auburn has not beaten Alabama since 2019.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].