Auburn’s new look roster will get its first experience of the heated, intense, drama-filled Iron Bowl rivalry this weekend as Alabama comes to Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn brought in around 40 new faces between the freshman class and the transfer portal in head coach Hugh Freeze’s first year. So Freeze, like the rest of them, will learn what it takes to play in this game for the first time.

A handful of Iron Bowl first-timers spoke to reporters on Monday — including some like linebacker Eugene Asante who were on the team last year but did not play. Here’s what they had to say of growing up watching the Iron Bowl and getting ready to put on an Auburn helmet in that game for the first time.

Head coach Hugh Freeze

“Man, what a what a rivalry to be a part of. We’re going to try to educate our young man as best we can with use of former players and the history of this great game. And hopefully they have a clear understanding of what it means to so many people.”

Quarterback Payton Thorne

“Extremely excited. I know the importance of this game and how much this means to, obviously us who are in it, but also the people that have grown up around it. I understand that and understand that’s a big responsibility. I’m excited to play my part in it and do everything I can to come home with a win.”

Jack linebacker Elijah McAllister

“You know it’s the greatest rivalry in all of college football. I grew up watching it and knowing how big it is. My teammates have been super expressive about how important this week is, particularly like Luke Deal, Kam Stutts, those guys have been here a long time. They’ve been expressive about how important this game is and how it means more than pretty much any game on the schedule.”

Offensive lineman Gunner Britton

“It means a lot to me. Obviously growing up and watching SEC football, I’ve watched many Iron Bowl games. To be able to play in one is really special to me. It’s part of the reason I came to Auburn, it’s one of the games I knew was going to be highlighted. Through my entire journey in the last couple of months kind of seeing it come to an end, I only have a month left here and this is one of my last two games I’ll get to play, it’s going to be really special.

It’s going to be senior night. I’m going to have a lot of family on the field with people who helped me get to this moment in my life. It’s going to be a really good time, I can’t wait to play in it.”

Linebacker Eugene Asante

“Certainly something I’m excited for. I didn’t get to play in this game last year. I was actually at home watching this game last year. Just seeing all the guys talk about all the history and the tradition. Seeing the alumni just come back and give us words of wisdom in terms of this game. It’s a big game to a lot of people, and we understand that. I certainly understand that and I want to go out there and put my best foot forward. For the rest of the team, we have to continue to preach that. We’ve got to continue to let them know how big this game is to a lot of people. Ultimately, come out there and play our best game.”

Jack linebacker Jalen McLeod

“Of course I am, because Alabama’s got the best dynasty in all of college football they say. It’s a big opportunity for me to showcase against one of the best teams.”

Kickoff for the Iron Bowl is set for 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday and will be aired on CBS.

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]