With the 2026 college football season right around the corner, ESPN recently published a piece looking to the past.
The World Wide Leader broke down one “archenemy” for every power conference program. That includes Alabama, who had quite a few candidates for public enemy No. 1.
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach went with former Auburn legend Cam Newton, who beat the Crimson Tide in a classic Iron Bowl before going on to win one of the most improbable national championships in recent memory.
Here’s Schlabach’s analysis;
Newton played only one season at Auburn, but he left a lasting legacy by leading the Tigers to an undefeated season and winning the Heisman Trophy in 2010. Many Alabama fans still believe Newton shouldn’t have been eligible to play for the Tigers after his father allegedly shopped him around to schools out of junior college. Auburn ruled Newton ineligible following an NCAA investigation, but he was reinstated less than 24 hours later. In that season’s Iron Bowl against Alabama, Newton led the Tigers to the greatest comeback in the program’s 117-year history. Auburn trailed 24-0 in the second quarter before Newton passed for three touchdowns and ran for another in a stunning 28-27 victory that is known as the “Camback.”
Since 2010, Auburn has only won the Iron Bowl 3 times. Alabama has won 6 in a row in addition to 10 of the last 12 meetings between the Tigers and Tide.
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Despite Auburn’s struggles, the Iron Bowl has remained nationally relevant in recent years. There have also been some close calls — 3 of Alabama’s wins over the past 6 years have come by a single score.
Alabama will host Auburn in Tuscaloosa to close out the 2026 regular season and the Tide look to extend their streak to 7 consecutive wins over their biggest rivals.
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ESPN names top ‘archenemy’ for Alabama football Saturday Down South.
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