Before the start of the 2025 season, CU honored its stars by retiring Shedeur Sanders’ No. 2 jersey and Travis Hunter’s No. 12. It seems Auburn is following the trend. Yes, the Tigers have decided to bestow the ultimate honor on Cam Newton. On Oct. 11, Jordan-Hare Stadium will retire Newton’s iconic No. 2 jersey at halftime during the showdown with Georgia. Now in the 130th chapter of this rivalry, Newton becomes only the 4th player in program history to receive this distinction. But what prompted Hugh Freeze’s Auburn to make this decision after 15 years of Newton’s standout days on the Plains?

Auburn has a tradition of retiring jerseys to honor its CFB heroes. Pat Sullivan’s No. 7 blazed the trail in 1972, breaking passing records. Following that, Bo Jackson’s No. 34 made history in 1992, bulldozing defenses and still holding the school’s career rushing record. Then there’s Terry Beasley’s No. 88, a receiving machine who ranks first in career yards. All their retired jerseys tell a story of excellence on the Plains.

Cam Newton’s time at Auburn was short. But it was a masterpiece. In 2010, he dominated the field. Auburn stormed to a perfect 14-0 record, capping the run with a 22-19 victory over the Ducks to claim the program’s 2nd national title. And then came that prestigious award of CFB. He outshone stars like LaMichael James and Andrew Luck to capture the Heisman Trophy. It cemented his legacy as one of the greatest single seasons in CFB history. So if there’s ever been a resume worthy of Auburn’s No. 2, it’s Cam Newton’s. But before his jersey rises to the rafters, he has one simple request for the Auburn nation.

It’s been 33 years since Auburn last made such a move. But this time, it hits differently. “Let this be a message to anybody wearing navy, orange, and blue,” said Newton on his own show. “If y’all love me like y’all say y’all love me,” he continued, “then find it in your hearts to play the best football you’ve ever imagined.” But his wish?

“I’d love nothing more than to wake up Sunday morning celebrating that Auburn beat Georgia, coming down 85 with a smile,” added Newton. Looks like Cam still bleeds blue and orange. But he won’t be alone when he takes the field on Saturday.

Alongside Newton, plenty of big names and familiar faces will pack Jordan-Hare for the ceremony. But for the Atlanta native, this matchup hits deeper. Because nothing would top celebrating with bragging rights in hand. Still, one question left. How can Auburn make that happen?

How Cam Newton’s Auburn beat Georgia

Auburn hasn’t beaten Georgia in eight long years. But now with a two-game losing streak, the Tigers are departe to beat the Bulldogs. And Hugh Freeze knows it’ll take their sharpest performance. Yes, running the ball will be key. Earlier this season, Auburn steamrolled Baylor for 307 rushing yards. But when SEC play started, those ground plays disappeared. Now, to take down Georgia, Auburn must reclaim its identity. They need to make their attack more balanced and take control of the game. Then, there is another method to win.

Although Georgia’s defense is tough, but not impenetrable. Georgi’s defensive stop rate is 68.9%. Here, Auburn’s speedy WRs can take advantage. Surely, Jackson Arnold has shown he can hit the big throws. But misses have already hurt the Tigers. Now, against a team like Georgia, those small plays could decide the game. And if Auburn wants to win, the defense needs to be played intensely.

Most importantly, penalties have haunted Auburn all season. In the last game against Texas A&M, Auburn had 10 penalties. Now, home-field advantage can help, but the penalty issue needs to be solved. Because against Georgia, Auburn can’t give the Bulldogs any freebies.