Auburn Shatters Decade-Long Drought, Overtakes Alabama in All-Sports Showdown for the First Time in 9 Years…Read More…
In a monumental turn of events that has electrified fans across the state and sent shockwaves through the Southeastern Conference, Auburn University has officially bested the University of Alabama in the coveted all-sports standings for the first time in nearly a decade. The Tigers’ triumph in the 2024-25 season marks a symbolic and statistical shift in one of the fiercest collegiate rivalries in the nation — the Iron Bowl of everything.
This victory is more than just bragging rights. For the first time since the 2014-15 academic year, Auburn has taken the upper hand in overall athletic achievement against their in-state rivals, outpacing Alabama across a wide array of men’s and women’s sports. While football often dominates headlines, the all-sports standings — compiled through points-based systems evaluating each school’s performance in every NCAA-sanctioned sport — offer a broader and more holistic view of a university’s athletic success.
Consistency Across the Board
The Tigers’ surge this year was the result of well-rounded excellence, with key contributions coming from both expected powerhouses and rising programs. Auburn’s baseball team made a deep run in the NCAA postseason, women’s gymnastics shattered school records en route to a Top-5 national finish, and the men’s basketball squad stormed through the SEC, culminating in a Sweet 16 appearance.
Perhaps most impressively, Auburn’s women’s soccer team stunned critics with a breakout season, climbing the national rankings and earning their first Elite Eight appearance in school history. The Tigers’ track and field athletes, swimmers, and equestrian team also scored crucial points throughout the year.
“Our student-athletes have been phenomenal, not just in performance but in character,” Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen said in a press release. “This success is the result of years of investment, strategy, and belief in what Auburn athletics can be across every sport.”
Tide Slows Amid Transitions
Meanwhile, across the state, Alabama has faced a year of transition and turbulence. Though the Crimson Tide football team remained formidable and made yet another College Football Playoff appearance, several of Alabama’s other programs stumbled. The men’s basketball team failed to replicate last year’s Final Four magic, and their women’s tennis and golf teams fell short of expectations.
Alabama’s athletic department has also experienced coaching turnover in multiple sports, which some analysts say contributed to a slight dip in overall consistency.
“This isn’t a collapse by Alabama,” said ESPN analyst Cole Tappan. “But it is a sign that Auburn is raising its game across the board. The competition is heating up again — and that’s great for the state of Alabama and for the SEC.”
A Rivalry Reignited
The Auburn-Alabama rivalry — famously brutal in football — now has fresh fuel. While football remains the centerpiece, Auburn’s overall athletic resurgence puts pressure on Alabama to respond beyond the gridiron.
“It’s good to see this rivalry extend to more sports,” said former Auburn and NFL quarterback Jason Campbell. “You always want to see Auburn competing at the highest level, and this year, we proved we could do that in nearly every sport.”
On campus, the energy is palpable. Auburn students and alumni have taken to social media to celebrate the long-awaited accomplishment, with hashtags like #AllSportsIronBowl and #TigersOnTop trending regionally.
“I’ve been waiting nine years to say this: Auburn runs the state,” tweeted Auburn alumna and former soccer player Lauren McCall.
Looking Ahead
This breakthrough season has not only re-energized Auburn’s fanbase but also reshaped expectations for years to come. The Tigers’ success could prove pivotal in recruiting across multiple sports, as young athletes increasingly consider schools that excel in more than just football or basketball.
“The narrative has changed,” said SEC Network’s Jordan Palmer. “For the last decade, Alabama was considered the gold standard in all-around athletics in the state. Now, it’s Auburn making the case — and they’re doing it with style, grit, and a deep bench of talent.”
Still, officials on both sides know the battle is far from over. Alabama will undoubtedly use this as motivation heading into the 2025-26 academic year. The coaching staff shakeups could settle, and the Tide’s immense resources and legacy make them perennial contenders.
But for now, Auburn stands on the summit.
This long-awaited moment is not just a victory over Alabama, but a declaration: Auburn is back — and it’s aiming higher than ever.
“We’re not stopping here,” Cohen added. “This is just the beginning of a new era of dominance for Auburn athletics. We’ve proven we can compete with — and beat — the best. Now we build on it.”
And with that, the roar from the Plains echoes louder than it has in nearly a decade.
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