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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Three Auburn Volleyball matches have been selected for national television, the Southeastern Conference announced Thursday morning, marking another major step forward for the Tigers’ rising program under head coach Brent Crouch. With national exposure expanding, Auburn finds itself not only growing on the court, but also emerging as a team with increasing visibility and relevance in a conference stacked with powerhouse volleyball talent. As momentum continues to build around the program’s recent success and national attention intensifies, the television spotlight offers a new platform for Auburn to showcase its strength, skill, and evolving identity in front of a broader audience.
The Tigers’ trio of nationally televised matches will be broadcast on the SEC Network, beginning with a marquee showdown against Georgia on Sunday, September 29, at 2:00 p.m. CT. The rivalry between the Tigers and Bulldogs always generates significant attention across multiple sports, and volleyball is no exception. The matchup serves as an early conference litmus test, and with both squads trending upward in the SEC, the contest could carry early postseason implications. Auburn’s disciplined backline and evolving offensive tempo will look to test a Georgia side that has demonstrated considerable grit but remains inconsistent in closing out sets. For Auburn, this match could become a signature win if executed with precision on a national stage.
The second nationally televised appearance for Auburn will take place on Wednesday, October 16, when the Tigers welcome the Florida Gators to Neville Arena for a 7:00 p.m. CT primetime clash. Historically, Florida has long been the standard bearer in SEC volleyball, with a tradition of dominance built under legendary head coach Mary Wise. However, Auburn has begun to close the gap, pushing Florida to five sets in recent meetings and showing signs of competitiveness that weren’t present five years ago. The Tigers’ front row, anchored by standout blockers and a maturing middle attack, will be key in neutralizing Florida’s quick-hitting offense. This match offers not just a chance to take down a conference giant, but also to do so with the entire country watching, making it one of the most anticipated home matches of the season.
Auburn’s third and final nationally televised contest comes on Sunday, November 3, when the Tigers travel to Columbia to take on South Carolina at 3:00 p.m. CT. Like Auburn, South Carolina is a team that has hovered around the middle of the SEC standings but possesses the potential to disrupt higher-ranked teams when in form. This late-season showdown could play a pivotal role in postseason positioning, especially if either program finds itself on the NCAA Tournament bubble. The Tigers will need to demonstrate poise on the road and lean on their depth and veteran leadership to outlast a scrappy Gamecocks squad in what’s expected to be a hard-fought battle.
Auburn’s increasing presence on national television underscores the program’s recent trajectory. Just a few years ago, the Tigers were considered a bottom-tier SEC team with little fanfare or media attention. However, since Brent Crouch took over in 2020, Auburn has undergone a dramatic transformation. His emphasis on player development, culture, and competitive accountability has yielded tangible results. Last season, Auburn posted a historic 22-win campaign that included a deep SEC run and a second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers not only won matches but also earned respect, proving they could compete—and win—against nationally ranked opponents. The national broadcasts now reflect that elevated status.
Another factor contributing to the program’s growing visibility is Auburn’s passionate fan base, which has begun to embrace volleyball in greater numbers. Neville Arena, already one of the most intimidating venues in college basketball, has become an increasingly rowdy environment for volleyball as well. Student turnout has surged, and themed nights like “Orange Out” or “Block Party” have helped cultivate an electric atmosphere that energizes the team and challenges visiting opponents. When Auburn takes the court on national television, it won’t just be the athletes on display—it will be the entire Auburn experience: the crowd, the energy, the pride.
The team itself is built to take advantage of this moment. Veteran leaders like graduate outside hitter Madison Scheer and libero Sarah Morton bring composure and experience, having been through both the grind of the SEC and the intensity of postseason play. Their guidance helps anchor a roster that blends seasoned contributors with young talent, including sophomore standout Kendall “K.J.” Gill, whose versatility and defensive instincts have made her a cornerstone of Auburn’s defensive unit. The offensive system, orchestrated by setter Jackie Barrett, has shown greater creativity this offseason, with more combination plays and tempo shifts designed to catch defenses off guard. National television offers these players a chance to demonstrate their growth and compete on the kind of stage they’ve worked for their entire careers.
Beyond individual performances, Auburn’s system itself has grown more sophisticated. Under Coach Crouch and his staff, including associate head coach Morgan Thomas and assistant Tyler Hildebrand, the Tigers have embraced advanced analytics and video review to refine their scouting and preparation. Practices are structured with data-driven goals, and in-match adjustments reflect the coaching staff’s ability to adapt in real time. That tactical awareness has helped Auburn compete against programs with more historically dominant pedigrees, and it will be essential in the nationally televised games where strategic nuance could determine the outcome.
The implications of Auburn’s national exposure extend beyond wins and losses. For recruits, the chance to play in front of a national audience while being part of a program on the rise is a compelling proposition. Auburn’s ability to develop players and offer immediate playing time has already attracted high-level commitments, and the visibility afforded by these broadcasts only enhances that recruiting pitch. The SEC Network spotlight allows potential recruits and their families to see not only the on-court product but also the culture, support, and excitement surrounding Auburn volleyball.
In terms of the conference landscape, Auburn’s rise adds depth to what is already one of the most competitive leagues in the country. The SEC has historically been dominated by Florida and Kentucky, with other programs like Tennessee, LSU, and Missouri occasionally breaking through. Auburn’s ascent gives the league another credible contender, increasing parity and raising the overall profile of SEC volleyball. National broadcasts that include Auburn help diversify the storylines and shift attention to emerging programs, making the league more intriguing for fans and more difficult to navigate for coaches.
Looking ahead, Auburn’s schedule is filled with opportunities to build on last season’s success and capitalize on its growing national presence. With non-conference matchups against tough mid-majors and nationally ranked teams, the Tigers will have early chances to test themselves before diving into a rugged SEC slate. The nationally televised games aren’t isolated events; they’re part of a broader effort to elevate the program’s profile through consistent performance and media engagement.
As the season approaches, expectations within the program are high. The coaching staff has spoken openly about aiming not just for NCAA Tournament qualification, but for deep runs and potential Sweet 16 or Elite Eight appearances. Those ambitions are fueled by a belief in the team’s depth, resilience, and hunger to continue proving themselves on bigger stages. Every nationally televised match is more than just a game—it’s a statement, a chance to show the nation what Auburn volleyball represents today and where it’s headed tomorrow.
Ultimately, the announcement of Auburn’s three nationally televised games is more than a programming update. It’s a validation of the program’s direction, a recognition of the players’ and coaches’ work, and an invitation for a national audience to watch a team on the rise. For the Tigers, it’s an opportunity to turn moments into memories, matches into milestones, and visibility into momentum. And when the lights are brightest and the cameras roll, Auburn will be ready to show the country what it means to be a Tiger.
