People of
The Iron Bowl.

Paul "Bear" Bryant is not merely the most iconic figure in Alabama football history; he is the architect of the modern SEC powerhouse. Arriving in Tuscaloosa in 1958, Bryant famously declared, "Mama called," and proceeded to wake a sleeping giant. Over the next 25 seasons, he constructed a dynasty unparalleled in its consistency and dominance. Bryant's teams were characterized by brutal toughness, disciplined defense, and an adaptability that allowed him to win national championships in three different decades (1960s, 1970s). He famously evolved from a staunch traditionalist to an innovator who adopted the Wishbone offense in 1971, revitalizing his career and leading to three more titles. His six national championships (1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979) set a standard that seemed unbreakable for decades. Against Auburn, Bryant was ruthless, compiling a 19-6 record that included nine consecutive victories from 1973 to 1981. Beyond the wins, Bryant was a father figure to his players and a symbol of pride for the state of Alabama. His checkered hounds-tooth hat remains the enduring symbol of Alabama football. When he retired in 1982 with 323 career victories, he was the winningest coach in college football history. His final game, fittingly, was a victory, leaving a legacy that every coach after him would chase.

"I ain't never been nothing but a winner."

Nick Saban coached Alabama for 17 seasons from 2007 through 2023. His teams won six national championships and nine SEC titles. He went 12-5 against Auburn, beginning with a loss in 2007 and ending with four consecutive Iron Bowl wins from 2020 through 2023. Notable games during that span included Alabama's 36-0 win in 2008, Auburn's last-second Kick Six win in 2013 and Alabama's fourth-and-31 touchdown in 2023. Saban retired in January 2024.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people."

Pat Dye built Auburn into a powerhouse in the 1980s. His Tigers split 12 Iron Bowls with Alabama from 1981 through 1992, including a 1981 loss and a 1982 win in his two meetings with Bear Bryant. Dye also helped bring the rivalry to Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1989.

"Ain't nothing but a winner."

Hugh Freeze coached Auburn from 2023 until his dismissal during the 2025 season. He lost the 2023 and 2024 Iron Bowls; interim head coach DJ Durkin led Auburn in the 2025 game. Before Auburn, Freeze served as head coach at Ole Miss and Liberty.

Gene Stallings, one of Bear Bryant's "Junction Boys," returned Alabama to glory in the 90s. He led the Tide to a 13-0 record and the National Championship in 1992, ending a 13-year drought. His teams were known for devastating defense.

Shug Jordan is the winningest coach in Auburn history (176 wins). He led Auburn to the 1957 AP national championship. A dedicated servant to Auburn, he coached the Tigers for 25 years and has the stadium (Jordan-Hare) named in his honor.

Tommy Tuberville, known as the "Riverboat Gambler," led Auburn to an undefeated 13-0 season in 2004. He is most famous in the rivalry for winning six consecutive Iron Bowls (2002-2007), a streak Auburn fans cherish.

Kalen DeBoer succeeded Nick Saban in 2024 and became a central figure in Alabama's post-Saban transition. His tenure has been defined by roster management, transfer portal decisions, quarterback development, and the pressure of maintaining Alabama's standard in a changing SEC.

Derrick Henry dominated Auburn in his Heisman Trophy season, rushing for 271 yards on 46 carries in the 2015 Iron Bowl. His punishing running style and record-breaking performance cemented his legacy.

"I just want to be the best running back I can be."

2015 Iron Bowl Rushing

271 yards

Iron Bowl Carries

46 carries

Career Rushing Yards

3,591 yards

AJ McCarron led Alabama to two national championships and never lost to Auburn until the infamous "Kick Six" game in 2013. His leadership and clutch performances defined Alabama's dynasty era.

Iron Bowl Record

3-1

Career Passing Yards

9,019 yards

Career TD Passes

77

Tua Tagovailoa became a legend when he threw the game-winning touchdown in the 2018 National Championship. He dominated Auburn in 2018, throwing 5 touchdowns in a 52-21 rout.

2018 Iron Bowl TD Passes

5 TDs

Career Passing Yards

7,442 yards

Career TD Passes

87

Bryce Young won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and never lost to Auburn in the regular season. His pinpoint accuracy and composure under pressure made him one of Alabama's greatest quarterbacks.

Iron Bowl Record

2-0

Career Passing Yards

8,356 yards

Career TD Passes

80

Jalen Milroe became the starting quarterback in 2023 and led Alabama to victory in Kalen DeBoer's first Iron Bowl in 2024. His dual-threat capability and three rushing touchdowns in the 2024 Iron Bowl cemented his place in Alabama football history.

Iron Bowl Record

2-0

2024 Iron Bowl Rush TDs

3 TDs

Career Rushing TDs

25+ TDs

Ty Simpson joined Alabama in 2022 as a five-star recruit from Martin, Tennessee. In his first Iron Bowl start in 2025, he threw three touchdown passes to Isaiah Horton, including the go-ahead fourth-and-2 score with 3:50 remaining in Alabama's 27-20 win at Auburn.

Recruiting Rank

5-Star

2025 Iron Bowl TD Passes

3

Alabama placekicker, 1983-1986, whose 52-yard field goal as time expired won the 1985 Iron Bowl 25-23. Known in the rivalry simply as "The Kick." He went 2-2 against Auburn and never missed an extra point in his college career.

The Kick (1985 Iron Bowl)

52 yards, as time expired

Career long field goal

57 yards (vs Texas A&M, 1985)

Consecutive extra points

135, no misses

vs Auburn, career

2-2

Alabama linebacker who made the fourth-down stop at the goal line that decided the 1984 Iron Bowl, tackling Auburn running back Brent Fullwood short after a blocking mix-up left the gap unguarded.

Alabama quarterback who drove the Tide into range for Van Tiffin in the final seconds of the 1985 Iron Bowl, two plays after being sacked for an eight-yard loss. He later returned to Tuscaloosa as head coach.

Joe Namath, known as "Broadway Joe," led Alabama to the 1964 National Championship. Under Bear Bryant, he became an icon of cool and one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history. His 29-4 record at Alabama set the stage for his legendary NFL career.

Ken "The Snake" Stabler produced one of the most iconic moments in Iron Bowl history with his "Run in the Mud" in 1967. A perfect operator of Bear Bryant's offense, Stabler was a master of the comeback and led Alabama to an undefeated 11-0 season in 1966.

Mark Ingram became Alabama's first-ever Heisman Trophy winner in 2009, leading the Tide to a perfect 14-0 season and a National Championship. His combination of power and balance defined the early Saban dynasty.

Shaun Alexander was the face of Alabama football in the late 90s. He left Tuscaloosa with 15 school records, including 3,565 career rushing yards and 50 total touchdowns. His performance in the 1999 regular season led Alabama to an SEC title.

Cornelius Bennett was a three-time All-American and the Lombardi Award winner in 1986. A fierce linebacker, "Biscuit" was the heart of the Alabama defense in the mid-80s and is widely considered one of the greatest defensive players in SEC history.

Derrick Thomas was an unstoppable force of nature. In 1988 alone, he recorded an astonishing 27 sacks, a record that may never be broken. He won the Butkus Award and terrorized quarterbacks throughout his career.

Johnny Musso, "The Italian Stallion," was the gritty, tough-running heart of Bear Bryant's first wishbone teams. He was a two-time All-American and finished 4th in the Heisman voting, embodying the toughness of Alabama football.

Ozzie Newsome revolutionized the Tight End position at Alabama. The "Wizard of Oz" was a consensus All-American and Bear Bryant's favorite target, averaging over 20 yards per catch for his career.

Julio Jones was the first superstar recruit of the Nick Saban era. His physicality and explosiveness revolutionized the receiver position at Alabama. A key piece of the 2009 National Championship team, he finished his career with 2,653 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Amari Cooper is arguably the greatest route runner in Alabama history. In 2014, he set SEC records with 124 catches and 1,727 yards. He was a Biletnikoff Award winner and a Heisman finalist, leading the Tide offense with quiet dominance.

Jalen Hurts was the first true freshman to start at QB for Nick Saban. He led the team to two national title games, winning SEC Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman. He is beloved for his leadership, especially his comeback heroics in the 2018 SEC Championship.

Minkah Fitzpatrick was a defensive chess piece for Nick Saban. He won both the Bednarik and Thorpe Awards in 2017. Known for his versatility and intelligence, he returned four interceptions for touchdowns during his career.

DeVonta Smith, the "Slim Reaper," became the first WR to win the Heisman since 1991. He caught the game-winning TD in the 2017 National Title game as a freshman and dominated college football as a senior with 1,856 yards and 23 TDs.

Najee Harris is Alabama's all-time leading rusher (3,843 yards) and touchdown scorer (57). A powerful hurdler and receiver, he was the engine of the 2020 undefeated championship team.

Will Anderson Jr. was a generational pass rusher. The "Terminator" recorded 34.5 career sacks and won back-to-back Bronko Nagurski Trophies. He is considered one of the most dominant defenders in SEC history.

Jay Barker was the ultimate winner, compiling a 35-2-1 record as a starter. He led Alabama to the 1992 National Championship and finished 5th in the Heisman voting in 1994.

Trent Richardson was a physical marvel. He followed Mark Ingram and arguably exceeded him in raw power, winning the Doak Walker Award in 2011 and scoring 21 touchdowns.

Lee Roy Jordan was the anchor of Bear Bryant's first national championship team in 1961. Bryant famously called him "one of the finest football players the world has ever seen." He dominated the 1963 Orange Bowl with 31 tackles.

Marlon Humphrey was a shutdown corner on Nick Saban's 2015 National Championship team. Known for his speed and physicality, he recovered the crucial onside kick in the 2016 National Championship game against Clemson.

Eddie Lacy was the hammer of the Alabama offense in 2012. His spin move was legendary. He rushed for 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2012, demolishing Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship Game.

Rolando McClain was the field general for Nick Saban's first championship defense at Alabama. A brilliant and intimidating linebacker, he won the Butkus Award in 2009 and led the Tide to an undefeated season.

Dont'a Hightower was a versatile force who could play any linebacker position. He was a key leader on two national championship teams. His physicality set the tone for the greatest defenses in Alabama history.

Barrett Jones is one of the most decorated offensive linemen in college football history. He started at three different positions (Guard, Tackle, Center) on three national championship teams. He won the Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy.

Javier Arenas was an electric punt returner and shutdown corner. He fell just short of the NCAA record for punt return touchdowns. His playmaking ability helped jumpstart the Saban era.

DeMeco Ryans was a tackling machine and the heart of the Alabama defense in the mid-2000s. In the 2005 Iron Bowl, he famously led a defense that sacked Auburn's QB 11 times (though they lost the game). He was the 2005 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Kadyn Proctor was a physically imposing left tackle who started for three seasons at Alabama. After a brief transfer saga as a freshman, he returned to anchor the line for Kalen DeBoer. He declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and was selected 12th overall by the Miami Dolphins.

Ryan Coleman-Williams, listed as Ryan Williams during his first two Alabama seasons, joined the Crimson Tide in 2024 and earned Freshman All-America recognition. He played in Alabama's 2024 and 2025 Iron Bowl wins. A permanent team captain in 2026, he caught five passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns against South Carolina on September 26.

Parker Brailsford followed Kalen DeBoer from Washington and became the anchor of Alabama's offensive line. An undersized but technically flawless center, he made the line calls for two playoff teams. He declared for the 2026 NFL Draft alongside Kadyn Proctor.

Jam Miller was a versatile weapon for the Crimson Tide, known for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and his explosive running style. He accepted an invitation to the 2026 Senior Bowl.

Tim Keenan III, "The Birmingham Bowling Ball," was a fan favorite nose tackle. His low center of gravity and immense strength anchored the Alabama interior defense. He accepted an invite to the 2026 Senior Bowl.

A transfer from Texas A&M, LT Overton became a key piece of the Alabama defensive front. Known for his versatility and motor, he finished his career strong with a sack in the 2026 Senior Bowl for Team American.

Josh Cuevas provided a reliable safety valve for the Alabama offense. A transfer from Washington, he followed Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa and capped his career with an invite to the 2026 Senior Bowl.

Christian Barmore was the Defensive MVP of the 2020 National Championship game. A dominant interior pass rusher, he helped lead Alabama to an undefeated title season before becoming a star for the New England Patriots, playing in Super Bowl LX.

An elite defensive recruit from Montgomery, Alabama. Qua Russaw showed immense potential as an edge rusher for the Crimson Tide before entering the transfer portal and joining Ohio State for the 2026 season.

A powerful interior defensive lineman who signed with Alabama alongside high school teammate Qua Russaw. After contributing to the rotation, Smith transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2026 season.

A physical and instinctual safety who transferred to Alabama from Michigan ahead of the 2024 season. After becoming a vital piece of Kalen DeBoer's defense, Sabb elected to bypass the 2026 NFL Draft and return to Tuscaloosa for his senior season, providing crucial veteran leadership.

An explosive pass rusher from Eufaula, Alabama. Pierre developed into a primary threat off the edge during his early career. Despite NFL Draft speculation following the 2025 season, he chose to return for the 2026 campaign, anchoring the defensive front.

Cam Newton had one of the greatest seasons in college football history in 2010, leading Auburn to a national championship. He defeated #9 Alabama 28-27 in the Iron Bowl, sealing Auburn's perfect season.

"I'm not going to entertain something that might not happen."

2010 Season TD Passes

30 TDs

2010 Season Rushing TDs

20 TDs

Career Passing Yards

2,854 yards

Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the 2013 Iron Bowl, creating the most iconic play in rivalry history. The "Kick Six" is replayed endlessly and remains the defining moment of the Iron Bowl.

"There goes Davis!"

Kick Six Return

109 yards

Career Interceptions

11 INTs

Career Return TDs

3 TDs

Auburn running back, 1982-1985, and the central figure in two of the most replayed plays in Iron Bowl history. He won the 1985 Heisman Trophy and left Auburn as its career rushing leader with 4,303 yards, but finished 2-2 against Alabama.

"Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there."

Career Rushing Yards

4,303

Career Yards Per Carry

6.6

Career Rushing TDs

43

1985 Season Yards

1,786

vs Alabama, 1983

256 yards on 20 carries

vs Alabama, career

2-2

Nick Marshall arrived at Auburn in 2013 as a junior college transfer and immediately transformed the Tigers into a national contender. A converted defensive back with a strong arm and rare mobility, Marshall fit Gus Malzahn's hurry-up offense and became central to Auburn's 2013 SEC championship season. In the 2013 Iron Bowl, he threw the game-tying 39-yard touchdown to Sammie Coates with 32 seconds left, setting up the final-play Kick Six. The following year, Marshall passed for 456 yards and three touchdowns in a 2014 Iron Bowl shootout that Alabama ultimately won. His official Iron Bowl record as Auburn's starter was 1-1, but his two games remain among the rivalry's most explosive quarterback performances.

2014 Iron Bowl Passing

456 yards

Total Offense (2014 IB)

505 yards

Career Passing Yards

4,508 yards

Pat Sullivan was Auburn's first Heisman Trophy winner (1971). He was a superstar who put Auburn on the national map in the modern TV era, breaking numerous NCAA records. His partnership with Terry Beasley is legendary.

Terry Beasley was the other half of "Sullivan-to-Beasley." A unanimous All-American, he held Auburn receiving records for decades. His speed and route running made him nearly unguardable in the early 70s.

Cadillac Williams is Auburn's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (45). A key member of the undefeated 2004 team, he famously "went crazy" in the 2003 Iron Bowl, rushing on the very first play for an 80-yard score.

Tracy Rocker is arguably the greatest defensive lineman in Auburn history. In 1988, he became the first SEC player to win both the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy. He was a dominant force who controlled the line of scrimmage.

Brent Fullwood was a key part of Auburn's wishbone attack in the mid-80s. A swift and powerful runner, he finished 6th in the Heisman voting in 1986 and helped lead Auburn to significant victories.

Lawyer Tillman is famous for "The Reverse." In the 1986 Iron Bowl, he scored the game-winning touchdown on a reverse play late in the 4th quarter, giving Auburn a 21-17 victory.

Kerryon Johnson dominated Alabama in the 2017 Iron Bowl upset, rushing for 104 yards and helping Auburn stun the top-ranked Crimson Tide 26-14.

2017 Iron Bowl Rushing

104 yards

Career Rushing Yards

2,689 yards

Career Rushing TDs

25 TDs

Jason Campbell masterminded the perfect 13-0 season in 2004. He was the SEC Player of the Year and MVP of the SEC Championship Game. His leadership solidified Auburn's dominance in the mid-2000s.

Ronnie Brown was part of the legendary running back duo with Cadillac Williams. A physical freak with soft hands, he was the #2 overall pick in the NFL draft. He was instrumental in the 2004 undefeated season.

Tre Mason famously broke Bo Jackson's single-season rushing record in 2013 (1,816 yards). He scored the go-ahead touchdown in the 2013 National Championship game and was a Heisman finalist.

Takeo Spikes was the prototype for the modern linebacker. A terrifying physical presence, he led Auburn to the 1997 SEC Championship game. He is beloved by Auburn fans for his intensity and leadership.

Karlos Dansby was an athletic marvel who could play sideline to sideline. An All-American in 2003, he helped build the defense that would go undefeated the following year.

Nick Fairley produced one of the most dominant single seasons by a defender in SEC history in 2010. He wrecked offenses, recording 11.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss, leading Auburn to the National Championship.

Jarrett Stidham transferred to Auburn and immediately led them to the SEC West title in 2017, defeating #1 Georgia and #1 Alabama in the same month. He was the SEC Newcomer of the Year.

Marlon Davidson was a four-year starter and team captain. He formed a lethal D-line partnership with Derrick Brown. In 2019, he was a key part of the defense that beat Alabama 48-45.

Carlos Rogers was the lockdown corner of the undefeated 2004 Auburn Tigers. He won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back, combining elite coverage skills with secure tackling.

Stan White started four Iron Bowls for Auburn from 1990 through 1993. The Tigers lost the first three and won in 1993, when White left with a knee injury before backup Patrick Nix threw the pivotal touchdown pass. He finished his career as Auburn's all-time passing leader.

Kodi Burns embodied the "All In" spirit. Recruited as a QB, he selflessly moved to WR to make room for Cam Newton. He caught a touchdown pass in the 2010 National Championship game, cementing his legacy as a team-first leader.

Ben Grubbs was a dominant force on the offensive line. Originally a defensive lineman, he switched to offense and became a first-round draft pick. He paved the way for Auburn's powerful running game in the mid-2000s.

Dameyune Craig was a record-setting quarterback who flourished under Terry Bowden. He led Auburn to the 1997 SEC Championship game. His 3,277 passing yards in 1997 remained an Auburn single-season record for nearly 20 years.

Ben Obomanu was a reliable and productive receiver during Auburn's golden era. A great blocker and route runner, he was a key target for Jason Campbell during the undefeated 2004 season.

Quentin Riggins was an undersized but ferocious linebacker who led Auburn in tackles for two straight seasons. A key part of the dominant late-80s defenses, he later became the sideline reporter for the Auburn Network.

Stephen Davis was a bruising running back who punished defenders. He rushed for over 2,800 yards at Auburn before becoming an All-Pro in the NFL. He was the focal point of the offense during the Terry Bowden streak.

Frank Sanders is best known for "The Catch" against Alabama in 1993. His acrobatic grab on 4th down kept the game-winning drive alive, preserving Auburn's undefeated season. He was a reliable possession receiver who had a long NFL career.

Cam Coleman was the jewel of Auburn's "Freeze Four" recruiting class. After a promising freshman season, he entered the transfer portal in January 2026 following the coaching change to Alex Golesh. He transferred to Texas, becoming one of the most high-profile departures in Auburn history.

Jeremiah Wright was a versatile lineman who played both sides of the ball before settling on the offensive line. A physically imposing guard, he turned heads at the 2026 Senior Bowl by dominating 1-on-1 reps against Alabama defenders.

Keyron Crawford transferred to Auburn from Arkansas State and became an immediate impact pass rusher. His speed off the edge was on full display at the 2026 Senior Bowl, where he recorded a sack for Team American.

Derick Hall was a relentless pass rusher and team captain for Auburn. He finished his career with 19.5 sacks. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, he became a Super Bowl Champion in his third season, helping the Seahawks defense dominate in Super Bowl LX.