Deion Sanders, the charismatic figure known as Coach Prime, made a memorable entrance at Jordan-Hare Stadium, stretching his arms toward the clear blue sky. As he approached the 10-yard line, it was clear he was in the company of legends. Among the crowd of boosters and luminaries, one man stood out: Bo Jackson. The two iconic athletes, both Heisman Trophy winners, shared a moment that only they could fully appreciate.
"Sweep left," Jackson said, sparking a nostalgic conversation that took them back to a fateful day in 1985. Sanders playfully mimicked the stiff-arm Jackson delivered during that memorable game, collapsing to his knees in laughter. They both knew the history behind that moment, as Auburn triumphed over Florida State 59-27, with Jackson racking up 176 rushing yards. This camaraderie set the stage for what was to come.
Coach Prime takes the helm
On November 28, 2022, Auburn’s football program was on the brink of transformation. With athletic director John Cohen introducing him, Sanders adjusted his shades and white hat before addressing the crowd. "War Eagle," he proclaimed, a phrase that resonated deeply within the Auburn community. But what if this scenario had played out differently? What if Auburn had hired Hugh Freeze instead of Sanders?
Freeze’s controversial past at Ole Miss, marred by a recruiting scandal, didn’t deter Auburn from hiring him. Meanwhile, Sanders, who was hired by Colorado just five days later, admitted he had no intention of meeting with Auburn’s boosters. “I wasn’t going to a booster meeting,” he stated bluntly, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity over financial incentives.
Transforming Auburn’s roster
Upon taking the reins, Sanders faced the challenge of revamping a team that had just finished 5-7 under Bryan Harsin. He made it clear to the players: “I’m bringing my luggage, and it’s Louis.” This bold declaration set the tone for a new era. He reached out to key players, including running back Tank Bigsby, who had been a standout performer with 2,906 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns over the previous three seasons. Sanders promised Bigsby he would do everything in his power to help him become a first-round pick.
True to his word, Sanders brought in several star transfers, including his son, Shedeur Sanders, who had an impressive season at Jackson State, throwing for 3,732 yards and 40 touchdowns. Top recruit Travis Hunter followed him to Auburn, along with other notable transfers. The infusion of talent was palpable, and the Tigers were ready to make a statement.
Coach Prime hysteria grips the SEC
The excitement surrounding Coach Prime quickly translated to on-field success. Auburn kicked off the season with a 3-0 start, defeating UMass, Cal, and Stanford. By the time they faced Texas A&M on September 23, 2023, the Tigers were ranked No. 22. In a thrilling upset at Kyle Field, Auburn shocked the Aggies with a 41-27 victory, propelled by Sanders’ 325 passing yards and Hunter’s two touchdown receptions. This victory not only elevated Auburn’s status but also expedited Jimbo Fisher’s exit from Texas A&M.
However, the following week brought a reality check as Auburn faced No. 1 Georgia. Despite a spirited effort, the Tigers fell 34-17. Shedeur Sanders faced criticism for flexing at the Georgia mascot, sparking a social media uproar. But Sanders remained unfazed, stating, “Now I know why we don’t like Dawgs around here. But we will be back.”
Auburn stumbled in the following weeks, losing to LSU and Ole Miss, but they rebounded with three wins, setting the stage for the Iron Bowl.
Travis Hunter saves the 2023 Iron Bowl
The Iron Bowl was a spectacle, with a pre-game atmosphere that felt electric. Sanders and Alabama coach Nick Saban shared a light moment before the game, while Auburn legends like Cam Newton mingled with current stars. The game itself was a nail-biter, with Alabama initially taking the lead. But Shedeur Sanders and his crew fought back, with Bigsby scoring a crucial touchdown to give Auburn a 31-27 lead.
In a dramatic finish, Alabama faced a fourth-and-goal from the 31-yard line. As Milroe launched a pass to the end zone, Travis Hunter soared in to swat the ball away, sealing a thrilling victory for Auburn. The celebration that followed was reminiscent of the “Kick Six,” marking a historic moment for the Tigers.
Building momentum for the future
The momentum continued as Auburn landed five-star receiver Cam Coleman on Signing Day and secured a victory against Wisconsin in the Reliaquest Bowl. This win not only boosted morale but also set the stage for a transformative offseason. The shockwaves of Alabama coach Nick Saban’s retirement rippled through the state, paving the way for Auburn to attract top talent. Five-star receiver Ryan Williams flipped from Alabama to Auburn, joining a stacked receiving corps that included Hunter, Horn, and Coleman.
As the 2024 season approached, expectations soared. Sanders, sporting a pullover that read "Ain’t Hard 2 Find," faced questions about Auburn’s championship aspirations at SEC Media Days. His confident response, “My wins are different than your wins,” showcased his determination to lead the Tigers to greatness.
Chasing greatness in Year 2
The 2024 season began with a bang as Auburn surged to a 5-0 start. Sanders emerged as a leading quarterback, while Hunter showcased his defensive prowess. The Tigers faced a tough challenge against No. 1 Georgia, where a late-game drive fell short, resulting in a heartbreaking 21-16 loss. Yet, the resilience of the team shone through as they bounced back, winning crucial games to set up another Iron Bowl showdown.
In a thrilling rematch, Auburn triumphed over Alabama 28-20, marking their first back-to-back victories in the Iron Bowl since 2006-07. This victory propelled them into the SEC Championship game, where they faced Texas in a high-stakes battle.
The ultimate test at the Cotton Bowl Classic
In the SEC Championship, Auburn faced Texas in a nail-biting showdown. The game was a back-and-forth affair, culminating in a dramatic finish. With time running out, Hunter blocked a potential game-tying field goal, securing the championship for Auburn. The victory solidified Hunter’s status as a Heisman Trophy winner, while Shedeur Sanders finished third in the voting.
However, the dream season came to an end at the Cotton Bowl Classic against Oregon. Despite a valiant effort, Auburn fell 31-21, but the foundation for future success had been laid.
As Sanders addressed the media after the game, he remained upbeat about the future of Auburn football. The excitement surrounding Coach Prime and his vision for the program was palpable, leaving fans eager for what was next. With the NFL Draft approaching and star players leaving for the next level, the question loomed: What’s next for Coach Prime? The answer might just be a phone call away.
