Do You Agree? 2004 Auburn Tigers Voted Greatest Football Team in Auburn History by Fans in Recent AL.com Poll

The debate over the greatest football team in Auburn University history has raged for decades, with countless memorable squads, legendary players, and unforgettable moments to choose from. However, a recent fan poll conducted by AL.com has brought that discussion back to the forefront, as voters overwhelmingly selected the 2004 Auburn Tigers as the best football team the program has ever produced.

The results sparked immediate conversation across the Plains and the college football world. Some Auburn faithful nodded in agreement, while others pointed to other iconic Tiger teams from different eras that could just as easily claim the crown. But no matter where one stands on the issue, there’s no denying that the 2004 Auburn Tigers left an indelible mark not only on the school’s history books but on the national college football landscape as well.

That 2004 Auburn squad, led by head coach Tommy Tuberville, stormed through the season with unmatched dominance and consistency, finishing the year with a perfect 13-0 record. The Tigers were the Southeastern Conference champions and capped their historic campaign with a Sugar Bowl victory over Virginia Tech. Despite their undefeated season, the Tigers were famously left out of the BCS National Championship game, an exclusion that remains one of the most controversial moments in modern college football history.

The offensive firepower and defensive ferocity of the 2004 team were nearly unmatched. Quarterback Jason Campbell, now remembered as one of the most poised and efficient signal-callers in Auburn history, orchestrated the offense with precision and confidence. His ability to spread the ball to a talented group of playmakers allowed the Tigers to flourish against even the toughest opponents.

Perhaps even more iconic was Auburn’s dynamic duo in the backfield: Carnell “Cadillac” Williams and Ronnie Brown. Both future NFL first-round draft picks, Williams and Brown formed one of the most lethal running back tandems college football had seen in years. Their blend of speed, power, and versatility made life nearly impossible for opposing defenses, and their combined efforts were instrumental in Auburn’s unbeaten march through the regular season and postseason.

Defensively, the 2004 Tigers were suffocating. With coordinator Gene Chizik leading the unit, Auburn finished the year ranked first in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 11.3 points per game. Standouts like linebacker Travis Williams, defensive back Junior Rosegreen, and defensive lineman Bret Eddins anchored a ferocious group that prided itself on physicality and discipline.

Perhaps what makes the legacy of the 2004 Auburn Tigers so compelling is the national snub they endured despite their perfect record. The BCS system at the time pitted USC against Oklahoma for the national title, both of whom also entered bowl season undefeated. Auburn, despite winning the SEC—a conference widely considered the toughest in college football—was left on the outside looking in, relegated to the Sugar Bowl rather than the grand stage of the national championship.

In that Sugar Bowl, Auburn edged out Virginia Tech 16-13, a hard-fought victory that preserved their undefeated season but left an unfulfilled sense of “what if” hovering over the Plains. To this day, many Auburn fans and college football analysts argue that the 2004 Tigers deserved a share of the national championship, especially considering USC’s title was later vacated due to NCAA sanctions, adding another layer to the historical controversy.

Yet, even with that national championship trophy missing from the 2004 team’s resume, many still regard them as the finest representation of Auburn football excellence. The undefeated season, the SEC title, the overwhelming talent on both sides of the ball, and the brotherhood forged in adversity have all contributed to the 2004 Tigers’ near-mythical status among Auburn faithful.

The recent AL.com poll underscores just how revered that team remains. Generations of Auburn fans—whether they watched the 2004 squad dominate firsthand or learned about their exploits through highlights and stories—clearly view that season as the pinnacle of Auburn football success. But is that designation universally accepted?

For some fans, alternative candidates come to mind when considering Auburn’s greatest football team. The 2010 Auburn Tigers, led by Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, stormed through their schedule with their own undefeated run, finishing 14-0 and capturing the BCS National Championship. That team, unlike the 2004 squad, had the satisfaction of hoisting the ultimate prize, defeating Oregon in a thrilling national title game and delivering Auburn its first recognized national championship since 1957.

Supporters of the 2010 team argue that winning it all on the sport’s biggest stage cements their legacy as Auburn’s best. The electrifying performances from Cam Newton, the dramatic comebacks, and the perfect record capped by the crystal football have left an undeniable mark on the program’s history.

Others point to the 1957 Auburn Tigers, who went 10-0 and were crowned national champions by the Associated Press, albeit under different circumstances in an era with fewer games and different postseason structures. That squad, coached by Ralph “Shug” Jordan, showcased one of the most dominant defenses in college football history, allowing an astonishing 28 points all season.

There’s also the 1983 Auburn team, which finished 11-1, won the SEC, and was widely regarded as the best team in the nation despite being snubbed by the AP and Coaches’ polls. With players like Bo Jackson leading the way, many consider that group one of Auburn’s most talented, though the lack of a formal title leaves them in the shadow of other great Tiger squads.

The conversation about Auburn’s greatest football team will likely never have a unanimous answer. Each era brings different challenges, styles of play, and levels of competition. Comparing a hard-nosed defensive juggernaut from the 1950s to a modern spread-offense powerhouse involves subjective interpretation, personal bias, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.

Yet, the AL.com poll shows that for many, the memory of the 2004 Auburn Tigers—riding high on an unbeaten campaign, brimming with NFL-bound talent, and fueled by the sting of being overlooked—resonates strongest. That team embodied resilience, brotherhood, and dominance, carving their place into Auburn lore even without the national championship hardware.

Do you agree with the results? Was the 2004 team truly Auburn’s best, or does your vote lie elsewhere? Some will say the 2010 national champions, with Cam Newton’s heroics, surpassed the 2004 squad. Others may honor the historic 1957 team or the powerhouse units of the 1980s.

Regardless of personal opinion, what remains undisputed is the pride Auburn fans carry for their football legacy. From the early days of Jordan-Hare Stadium to the modern roar of the Plains, the Tigers have delivered decades of unforgettable moments, championship glory, and heartbreak alike.

The 2004 Auburn Tigers, thanks to their perfect record and the lingering “what if” narrative, will forever stand as one of college football’s great stories of excellence denied full validation. Whether you believe they are Auburn’s greatest team or not, their impact on the program—and the conversation about Auburn football greatness—remains undeniable.