Auburn makes major announcement for Iron Bowl weekend
Bo Jackson's Return to Auburn will include the 40th anniversary of his Heisman glory.
When Jackson suited up for the Tigers in 1982, fans knew he was special. But no one could've predicted he'd become a sports icon. A two-sport pro athlete, a Nike ad legend, and one of the most dominant forces in college football history. Now, Auburn is making sure that legacy never fades.
On Nov. 29, during this year's Iron Bowl, the Tigers will honor the 40th anniversary of Jackson's 1985 Heisman Trophy season. A tribute fit for a giant, as Bo's name will echo through Jordan-Hare Stadium once again.
A Heisman Season for the Ages
In 1985, Jackson didn't just play football, he redefined it.
He rushed for 1,786 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging a staggering 6.4 yards per carry. At the time, that rushing total ranked second in SEC history. And even now, four decades later, it's a benchmark that defines greatness.
That season earned Jackson Auburn's second Heisman Trophy, solidifying his place in college football history. But it was more than numbers, it was the way he played. Grace, speed, and pure strength.
More Than Just a Football Star
Jackson wasn't just dominant on the gridiron. He starred in three sports, football, baseball, and track during his time on The Plains.
After Auburn, he made sports history again, becoming the only athlete ever named an All-Star in both the NFL and MLB.
He played eight seasons in the majors and was named the 1989 MLB All-Star Game MVP. In the NFL, he ran for 2,782 yards and 16 touchdowns in just four seasons with the Raiders before a hip injury ended his football career in 1991.
A Tribute 40 Years in the Making
Now, Auburn is bringing it full circle. Jackson will be honored during this year's Iron Bowl, which is historically Auburn's biggest stage. It's not just about looking back. It's about reminding fans, recruits, and rivals alike what excellence looks like.
'Bo's 1985 season ranks among the greatest in the storied history of Auburn and the Southeastern Conference,' said AD John Cohen. 'It is our privilege to honor Bo.'
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
Michigan Football's punishment for scandal handed down by NCAA, per report
Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers reacts to AP All-Time All-America honor (Exclusive)
ESPN analyst's blue-chip son named No. 1 recruit In America
Denzel Washington sends clear message to Shedeur Sanders haters
Deion Sanders turns heads with his latest kids rankings
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
4 Bears position battles to watch in preseason game vs. Bills
The Chicago Bears are set to face the Buffalo Bills for their second game of the preseason following a 24-24 tie with the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 — during which head coach Ben Johnson kept his starters on the sideline. Johnson said earlier in the week that those who didn't see action against the Dolphins will take the field vs. the Bills. Not only does this give the Bears' starters a chance to get their legs warm before the regular season, but it also helps sort out a handful of position battles that are still up in the air. Here are four position battles for Chicago to keep an eye on during Week 2 of the preseason: Left tackle The Bears spent the offseason attacking one of their biggest weaknesses from last season: the offensive line. While they were able to bolster the interior through free agency and trades, GM Ryan Poles and Chicago had to wait until draft night to look for outside help at tackle. The Bears took tackle Ozzy Trapilo early in the draft, with the 24th pick of the second round. Trapilo has all of the measurables, standing at 6-foot-8 with an arm length of 33-inches, but has had an up-and-down preseason camp. Following the Bears' joint practice with the Bills on Friday, Johnson said 'there's no doubt' that Trapilo looks more comfortable at right tackle. Chicago's incumbent starting left tackle, Braxton Jones, 26, is still in the mix to reclaim his job. The 6-foot-5 veteran finished last season with the 21st best overall blocking grade at his position (out of 140 tackles). On 719 snaps, he allowed five sacks and was called for seven penalties. Reliability has been Jones' Achilles heel, missing 11 games over the last two seasons. Jones also had a few mistakes during the Bears' Week 1 matchup against Miami. Also in the mix are two second-year tackles in Kiran Amegadije and Theo Benedet. Amegadije has struggled some on the field in his young career, has allowed one sack and been called for five penalties on just 126 snaps. Benedet may have jumped Amegadije in the battle due to an impressive camp and an Amegadije injury. Offensive line coach Dan Roushar has praised Benedet's camp performance, saying he's 'put himself in a position to go compete for a job somewhere in this group." Johnson has made it clear to the media that he's in no rush to decide on a starting left tackle, adding the battle may even stretch into the regular season. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has had the backup quarterback spot on lock since first joining Chicago as an undrafted rookie in 2023. Bagent only appeared in four games last season, and completed both of his passes, but saw action five times in 2023, including four starts. In 2023, Bagent completed 65.7% of his passes for 859 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions. Bagent went 2-2 in his four starts. Last week against the Dolphins, Bagent completed 13-of-19 passes for 103 yards, one touchdown and a pick. Bagent wasn't the only quarterback to see action and make a mark for the Bears, as their newest QB addition in veteran Case Keenum completed 8-of-10 passes for 80 yards and two scores. Keenum's preseason statline was impressive, and he provides something as a backup QB that Bagent doesn't have: experience. This will be Keenum's 12th season in the NFL, and he has 66 starts in his career. Keenum also provides playoff experience, as he led the Minnesota Vikings to a divisional-round win over the New Orleans Saints in 2017. But Keenum is also day-to-day with a leg injury, which could give Bagent a chance to pull away. Starting quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to see action vs. the Bills, so Bagent and Keenum's performances with less snaps than the previous week could make a significant impact in the Bears' QB2 battle. Outside cornerback It's obvious to every Bears fan that Jaylon Johnson will always be the CB1 and will be tasked to guard the opposition's No. 1 offensive threat. But who will be playing on the other side of the field at CB2? Last season, the second outside cornerback spot was occupied by Tyrique Stevenson. Despite a strong start to the 2024 season, his infamous jawing towards Washington Commanders fans, leading to his assignment catching a Hail Mary, put his job security in jeopardy. Stevenson started 14 games last year, logging two interceptions and 12 pass breakups. It seems like Stevenson's character issues have continued under the new coaching staff, as he's been sidelined multiple times for fighting in practice. In Stevenson's absence last season, Terell Smith stepped in and made some solid plays. Smith started just two games but totaled four pass breakups and an interception. But Stevenson's biggest opposition is free-agent addition Nahshon Wright, who's had an impressive camp, all while spending a lot of time going against the starters. '[Nahshon's] done a great job of putting everything together, technique, mindset and movements,' defensive backs coach Al Harris said. 'He has a high ceiling, you can see the talent there. He has the size so he's just got to make the plays.' Third linebacker The Bears have their two starting inside linebackers locked up and are lucky enough to have T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds returning to start next to each other. But who will be the strong side linebacker? Noah Sewell has been in the Bears' linebacker room since 2023, while Amen Ogbongbemiga will enter his second year with Chicago. Sewell made one of the biggest plays in the Bears' matchup vs. the Dolphins last week — a fourth down stop in the red zone when he stood up Jaylan Wright in the backfield, pumping Johnson up on the sideline. Ogbongbemiga left last week's game early with a shoulder injury after making just one tackle. The newest member of the room is rookie Ruben Hyppolite II, who was one of three Bears to tally a team-leading four solo tackles against Miami and recorded an interception during joint practice vs. the Bills on Friday. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Bills: Chicago position battles to watch in preseason game
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Even with moves in free agency, Caleb Williams' Bears still viewed as bottom-half team
The Chicago Bears have generated a lot of excitement for all the big acquisitions they made this offseason, but with excitement comes high expectations. Caleb Williams has been in MVP discussions and labeled as the NFL quarterback with the most to prove in 2025 due to the great offseason the Bears have had. The Bears undoubtedly have an immense amount of talent across the board, but even with all the talent there is concern: Will everything end up a success for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson? In a new NFL preseason ranking for all 32 teams, the Chicago Bears finished in the bottom half at No. 20. Here are USA TODAY Sports analyst Nate Davis's thoughts on why the Bears should be slotted as the 20th-best team in the NFL: "Highly regarded new coach. Talented second-year quarterback. An offseason loaded with major moves. Don't be surprised if their 2024 win total (5) doubles." The Bears have all the makings of a team that turns things around quickly and makes the playoffs, but it still has not been all blue skies at Halas Hall for the Bears in training camp. The Chicago Bears should be higher than 20, especially with the New England Patriots in front of them. The Pats have less talent and more question marks. The Chicago Bears at the very least are a top-15 team in the NFL and have a potential ceiling of being a top-10 team and an NFC threat. The Bears will go as far as Caleb Williams takes them. He should be able to do what few Bears quarterbacks have ever done while also doubling last year's win total. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Chicago Bears ranked No. 20 in NFL, giving Caleb Williams motivation
Washington Post
29 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Saquon Barkley leads list of risky fantasy football draft picks
Draft day in fantasy football isn't just about picking stars. It's about managing risk. Talent and stats matter, but injuries, aging and opportunity shifts can derail a player's season. Just ask anyone who didn't follow our advice on Christian McCaffrey last season.
