Auburn is wrapped up in the 2024 season right now, trying to figure out its quarterback situation, trying to figure out if Hugh Freeze is the right coach going forward and trying to distance itself from that recent 4-game losing streak that buried the Tigers at 2-5.

After finally getting a win at Kentucky in Week 9, Auburn will look for more good things on Saturday at home against Vanderbilt as it tries to get to the magical 6 wins and become bowl-eligible. But while it trudges through this season, the planning is always in motion for scheduling future seasons of football on The Plains.

On Monday morning, the Tigers took another step in filling out their non-conference schedule for the 2027 season. No, it’s not a big-time opponent that’s going to jump off the page at you. But every game counts, and Auburn added Missouri State to its schedule for 2027, as the Bears will visit Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2027, so it’s an early season battle.

Auburn will pay Missouri State a $1.2 million guarantee for the game, according to a copy of the contract obtained from Missouri State University via a state public records request from FBSSchedules.com.

Missouri State is the first known non-conference opponent for Auburn for the ’27 season. The Tigers have a 20-1-1 record against teams that are current members of Conference USA.