It was a magical night for several Tigers, including quarterback Byrum Brown, wide receivers Jeremiah Koger and Chas Nimrod, and defensive lineman Cody Sigler, who all played inside Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time. However, the player who perhaps had the best night of all was cornerback Andre Jordan Jr., who set a personal record by reeling in two interceptions after entering Saturday's game with zero on his docket.
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Jordan set the tone of the game by picking off Southern Miss quarterback Ethan Hampton, returning it 22 yards to give Auburn the 7-0 lead just 10 seconds into the game. A few drives later, Jordan struck again by picking off Jordan on a 4th-down play.
"I saw the ball go in the air and I tried to break on it," Jordan said postgame. "I was thinking if it got tipped or something I could go get my hands on the ball."
Sep 12, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles quarterback Ethan Hampton (5) attempts a pass as Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Cody Sigler (94) goes for the tackle in the end zone during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The pass attempt did not get past the line of scrimmage and Southern Miss was penalized for intentional grounding which resulted in a safety. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Auburn Tigers wide receiver DeShawn Spencer (9) celebrates his touchdown catch as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Jeremiah Koger (4) is tackled after a catch by Southern Miss Golden Eagles defensive back Champ Lewis (1) as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers holder Hudson Kaak (14) and kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrate a a 55-yard field goal at the end of the first half as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers defensive back Rayshawn Pleasant (4) tackles Southern Miss Golden Eagles wide receiver Eelijah Singleton (0) as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) catches a pass over the middle as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh breaks huddle with his team as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers wide receiver DeShawn Spencer (9) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback Ethan Hampton (5) throws the ball under pressure from Auburn Tigers edge Nate Johnson (90) as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) attempts to jump over a defender as he runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. (22) celebrates his pick six as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers tight end Jonathan Echols (81) catches a touchdown pass as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers tight end Jonathan Echols (81) crosses the goal line for a touchdown after a catch as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Sep 12, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles quarterback Ethan Hampton (5) attempts a pass as Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Cody Sigler (94) goes for the tackle in the end zone during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The pass attempt did not get past the line of scrimmage and Southern Miss was penalized for intentional grounding which resulted in a safety. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Sep 12, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles quarterback Ethan Hampton (5) attempts a pass as Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Cody Sigler (94) goes for the tackle in the end zone during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The pass attempt did not get past the line of scrimmage and Southern Miss was penalized for intentional grounding which resulted in a safety. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers wide receiver DeShawn Spencer (9) celebrates his touchdown catch as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Jeremiah Koger (4) is tackled after a catch by Southern Miss Golden Eagles defensive back Champ Lewis (1) as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers holder Hudson Kaak (14) and kicker Alex McPherson (38) celebrate a a 55-yard field goal at the end of the first half as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers defensive back Rayshawn Pleasant (4) tackles Southern Miss Golden Eagles wide receiver Eelijah Singleton (0) as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) catches a pass over the middle as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh breaks huddle with his team as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers wide receiver DeShawn Spencer (9) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Southern Miss Golden Eagles 27-8 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback Ethan Hampton (5) throws the ball under pressure from Auburn Tigers edge Nate Johnson (90) as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) attempts to jump over a defender as he runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. (22) celebrates his pick six as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers tight end Jonathan Echols (81) catches a touchdown pass as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos: Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss
Auburn Tigers tight end Jonathan Echols (81) crosses the goal line for a touchdown after a catch as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Offensively, running back Omar Mabson had a breakout game by rushing for 108 yards, and he scored his first career touchdown on a two-yard rush with just a few seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter.
Mabson, a native of Auburn, says that he is blessed to have the opportunity to play for the Tigers and is thankful for the opportunity to break out on Saturday.
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"I thank God for being able to put me in the opportunity and all the hard work that led to it. Just knowing that my preparation was key, knowing that my process was right. Like (Alex Golesh) said, just having a great process, you see the results."
Which players stood out the most in Auburn's win over Southern Miss? Here is a look at which players Auburn Wire voters and fans voted for as their "Tiger of the Game" in Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss on Saturday.
Taylor Jones: Andre Jordan Jr.
Auburn Tigers defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. (22) celebrates his pick six as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Ethan Hampton will need to check under his bed for Andre Jordan Jr. every night. UCLA transfer Andre Jordan Jr. set the tone of the game by picking off Southern Miss quarterback Ethan Hampton and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown just 10 seconds into the game, and would intercept him again later in the quarter.
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He entered Jordan-Hare Stadium with zero career interceptions, and he leaves with two.
Phillip Jordan: Byrum Brown
Sep 12, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) scrambles for yardage during the first quarter against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Byrum Brown did it all for Auburn in the Tigers' 43-8 win over Southern Miss. He completed 18-of-29 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns, and added 88 yards on the ground. He also showed off his inner Cam Newton by catching a touchdown pass, doing so in the 3rd quarter on a reverse play. Brown played very comfortably on Saturday and it played a giant role in Auburn's win.
Jac Myrick: Elijah Melendez
Sep 12, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Elijah Melendez (9) chases down Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles quarterback Ethan Hampton (5) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
In a game where many players saw the field, Elijah Melendez emerged as the Tigers' leading tackler with 6, which included a sack. Melendez now has 18 total tackles through two games.
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Fan vote: Byrum Brown
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) is interviewed as Auburn Tigers take on Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Southern Miss Golden Eagles 43-8.
Auburn fans have spoken, and they have selected Byrum Brown as the "Tiger of the Game" in Auburn's 43-8 win over Southern Miss in Week 2. Brown won 43% of the vote, beating out Andre Jordan Jr., Omar Mabson, and Elijah Melendez. To have a say in who wins "Tiger of the Game" next week,head over to Auburn Wire's X accountafter every game to cast your vote.
