New Historical Book Uncovers the Untold Beginnings of Auburn Football

Thomasville, NC – WEBWIRE – Monday, December 15, 2025

Before roaring crowds, bright lights, and rivalries that would shake the South, there was a struggling college in Alabama—its future uncertain, its campus nearly silenced by war. In “Setting the Stage: The Early Days of Auburn Football,” author Neal Whitt takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the turbulent origins of one of the most storied football programs in America. Long before touchdowns and trophies, Auburn’s legacy was born out of resilience.

From the ashes of the Civil War to the courage of educators and visionaries who dared to imagine something greater, this is the story of how faith, grit, and determination gave rise to a tradition that would define generations.

What inspired Auburn to take the leap into the rough, uncharted world of college football—and how did that daring decision shape not only a sport but an entire Southern identity?

About the Book
“Setting the Stage: The Early Days of Auburn Football” begins in pre–Civil War Alabama, when the Methodist Church set out to create two new colleges—one of which would become Auburn.

As the nation fell into conflict, the school’s hopes were dashed when it was forced to close its doors and later transformed into a Confederate hospital. Yet, out of those dark years came an enduring spirit. Reopened and rebuilt, Auburn faced financial struggle, cultural opposition, and fierce debate over the dangers of this new game called “football.” Whitt’s book paints a vivid picture of the men and women who defied the odds to establish a team—and a legacy—that would grow into one of the South’s most celebrated institutions.

Rich in historical insight and human drama, this book isn’t just about football—it’s about courage, community, and the determination to build something lasting.

About the Author
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Neal Whitt is an Auburn University graduate with a deep love for his alma mater’s history. A former corporate and tax attorney, he later transitioned into the construction materials industry before retiring to pursue his passion for art and storytelling.

Today, he is a celebrated clay sculptor whose works appear in galleries across the Southeast.

Whitt’s deep roots in Alabama and lifelong connection to Auburn give “Setting the Stage” an authenticity and warmth that bring history vividly to life.

Will you discover how one small college, born in the shadow of war, rose to create a legacy that still echoes through every kick, every cheer, and every heart that bleeds orange and blue?