Auburn Tigers' Rayshawn Pleasant Scores 98-Yard Kickoff Return Touchdown Against Baylor

Rayshawn Pleasant, a transfer cornerback from Tulane, electrified Auburn's season opener against Baylor with a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown, the longest for Auburn since 2013 and their first since 2020. This pivotal play came late in the third quarter and shifted momentum decisively in Auburn's favor, helping secure a 38-24 victory. Pleasant, praised by head coach Hugh Freeze as a dynamic player and Auburn's top special teams option, also contributed defensively and expressed ambitions for multiple pick-sixes in the season. Auburn's offense, led by quarterback Jackson Arnold, complemented Pleasant's special teams heroics with a solid ground game, while Baylor's quarterback Sawyer Robertson threw for 419 yards but could not overcome Auburn's lead. The Tigers will look to build on this strong start as they prepare for their next home game. Pleasant's impactful debut marks him as a key contributor across multiple phases of the game for Auburn's 2025 football campaign.