Auburn Rallies Past Arkansas on Late Field Goal

Auburn overcame a sluggish start to defeat Arkansas 26-23, with Alex McPherson kicking a 43-yard field goal with 33 seconds left. The Tigers scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to secure their fifth win of the season and give coach Alex Golesh his first victory over Ryan Silverfield, a former conference coaching rival.

The offense managed just 47 yards across its first six possessions and struggled to convert third downs. McPherson’s 33-yard field goal just before halftime put Auburn on the board and helped spark a stronger finish.

Quarterback Byrum Brown threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 122 yards and added a rushing score. Auburn found the end zone on four of five possessions after halftime. One came on a 28-yard pass to Keshaun Singleton, who was open with 3:58 remaining. Arkansas answered with a touchdown, but Auburn’s 10-play final drive set up McPherson’s winning kick.

The defense recorded five sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Freshman linebacker Shadarius Toodle, appearing in his first game of the season, made 11 stops, brought down the quarterback three times and knocked away a pass. In the second quarter, sophomore Newboy Fegans picked off Arkansas quarterback K.J. Jackson, paving the way for Auburn’s first points.

Auburn is now one win from bowl eligibility, which would be its first postseason opportunity since 2023. The Tigers next travel to Starkville to play Mississippi State on November 14, 2026; broadcast details are due after Saturday’s games.