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$93.1 Million in Fundraising Sets Athletic Department Record
The Auburn Athletics Unlimited Foundation (TUF) have announced a record- and Tigers breaking $93.1 million fundraising year for fiscal year 2026. The amount is the largest in department history and a testament to the unmatched passion and generosity of the Auburn Family. “Once again, the Auburn Family has answered the call, playing an imperative role in helping Auburn thrive during the most transformative period in college athletics history,” Athletics Director John Cohen said. “As we embark on the ‘Ever Auburn’ capital campaign, the generosity of Auburn people will continue to position Auburn student-athletes to excel at the highest level.” Tigers Unlimited has now achieved fundraising records in back-to-back years. The FY25 total of $87.6 million exceeded the previous fundraising record by more than $11 million, and that milestone has now been surpassed again in FY26. Both record-setting years also established all-time highs in ticket priority contributions and philanthropic giving. “The momentum we’ve built is a direct result of a unified effort across Auburn Athletics and TUF,” Deputy Athletic Director and Executive Director of Tigers Unlimited Tim Jackson said. “Our team has remained focused on creating meaningful opportunities for engagement, and the Auburn Family continues to respond at an extraordinary level.” Since Cohen arrived at Auburn in November 2023, Auburn fundraising totals have climbed from $54.7M to more than $93.1M, an increase of more than 70 percent. Tigers Unlimited Foundation priority contributions tied to premium and zone tickets have reached historic levels, fueled by a modernized pricing structure, the introduction of multiple new premium spaces and opportunities, as well as sellouts across multiple Auburn Athletics venues. It was announced on June 26 that Auburn football season tickets
for the 2026 season have sold out for the fourth consecutive year, tying the school record of 63,500 season tickets sold which was set in 2024. Additionally, we enter the 2026 season at Jordan- Hare Stadium with a school-record streak of 22-consecutive sold-out games. This momentum can be seen across Auburn Athletics, with season ticket sell out streaks being maintained in men’s basketball (12 years), softball (six), baseball (six), and gymnastics (five). Each program has also set multiple revenue and attendance records over that span, with Auburn baseball most recently completing their 2026 season with their fourth- consecutive season ticket and attendance record. "As college athletics continues to evolve, our staff has taken a proactive and aggressive approach to maximizing every available resource. Over the past few years, we have asked a great deal of our donors, and time and again they have stepped up while contributing at record levels through philanthropic support, ticket-priority programs, and annual giving initiatives” Senior Associate AD for Development Jacob Jordan said. “We are deeply grateful to every member of the Auburn Family, whose generosity, at every level, continues to make an impact on our student athletes and programs.” The Tigers Unlimited Six Societies, a philanthropic giving tier beginning at $50,000, now includes more than 677 members. That momentum also extends to the Ever Auburn Capital Campaign, which launched in April and has already generated strong early interest, especially around the Jordan- Hare North Project. The planned multi-use facility will enhance gameday experiences through premium offerings and improved connectivity for all patrons, while also creating year-round space for students, alumni, fans, and donors. For more information, visit AuburnTigers.com/ EverAuburn.
Photo Courtesy of Governor's Office
Jacksonville State Trio Selected in 2026 MLB Draft The Northeast Alabama Community College Softball team was honored at the Alabama State Capitol by Governor Kay Ivey. The Governor presented a proclamation recognizing the college's 2026 NJCAA Division I State Championship. The Mustangs also won the 2026 Alabama Community College Conference Championship. Some of those joining Governor Ivey at the event include: NACC Head Coach Joe Guthrie, Emma Hindmon, Chloe Helton, ACCC Commissioner Dean Myrick, Governor Kay Ivey, NACC President Dr. David Campbell, Emmorie Burke, Marti McCluskey, Savannah Cantrell, and NACC Assistant Coach Courtnay Foster.
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he helped oversee the school's athletic programs, while also supporting the academic and extracurricular success of students. Throughout his career, Harbison has also served as a teacher and coach, building a reputation for strong leadership, high expectations, and a commitment to student success. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Johnny Harbison as the new multiple Gamecocks were taken in the draft, with Joe Scarborough and Jackson Phipps being taken in last year's draft. Beau Bryans concluded his collegiate career at Jax State, where he was a weekend starter for the Gamecocks, cementing his spot on Saturdays. The Brandon, Mississippi, native was a 2026 Conference USA Second Team All- Conference selection after posting a 7-1 record and 3.66 ERA in 2026. Bryans fanned 78 this season and only allowed opposing batters to hit .225 off of him. He posted three- straight quality starts from April 18th to May 2nd, and earned two CUSA Pitcher of the Week honors through the season. He set a career-
Athletic at Guntersville High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Cooper. “Mr. Harbison already has strong relationships within our school Director community, and we are confident he will provide outstanding support to our student-athletes and coaches. We believe Guntersville has one of the premier athletic programs in the state, and Mr. Harbison will work alongside our coaches high of 10 strikeouts this season against Valparaiso on March 7th, matching it again on April 25th against New Mexico State. A 2026 Conference USA Second Team All- Conference selection, Caleb Johnson concluded his collegiate career with career-highs in hits (68), runs (59), doubles (21), home runs (10), and RBI (55). He slashed .309/.559/.413, all of which were career highs. The Phenix City product stole 23 bags in 2026, the ninth- most in a single season in Jax State history. Johnson cements himself in the history books with the seventh-most stolen bases in a Jax State career at 60. He also finished at eighth all-time in runs scored in a career with 175 He also
finished with nine triples, tied for fifth all-time. Johnson ties Dean Friery for seventh-most doubles in a career with 52. Brady Thomas ended his collegiate career with a career-high .329 batting average. The Brandon, Mississippi native belted a team-high 11 home runs and four triples, posting the highest OPS on the team at 1.132. He finished with a slugging percentage of .653 and 43 RBI, and posted the highest on-base percentage on the team at .479 Thomas was a two- way player who finished with a 2-0 record on the mound, recording two starts in eight appearances. He had a 2/1 strikeout- to-walk-ratio with 18 strikeouts to nine walks in 14 innings pitched. and student-athletes to build on that tradition of excellence and further strengthen an already outstanding athletics program.” As Athletic Director, Harbison will oversee the day-to-day operations of Guntersville High School's athletic programs, work alongside coaches and school administrators, coordinate athletic events, and support the continued success of the district's student-athletes.
baseball Beau Bryans, Caleb Johnson, and Brady Thomas were taken on the final day of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. Bryans was drafted players in the seventh round by the San Francisco Giants, while Johnson was taken in the 13th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Thomas represented the final Gamecock taken with his 14th-round selection by the Houston Astros. This represents the 11th time overall that Jax State has had three or more players drafted in the same year. Previously, Ben Waldrip, Sam Eberle, and Daniel Watts were taken in the 2012 MLB Draft. This also represents back-to-back years where Guntersville City Schools has named Johnny Harbison as the Athletic Director at Guntersville High School. Harbison returns to Guntersville City Schools, bringing with him a wealth of experience in education, athletics, and school leadership. During his previous time at Guntersville, he served as both Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Guntersville High School, where
Johnny Harbison Named Guntersville Athletic Director
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