Elijah McAllister stood in an Auburn practice uniform in a black and gold endzone. It was a field he knew well — the turf football practice field at Vanderbilt right next to FirstBank Stadium where he played for four years.The jack linebacker transferred from Vanderbilt to Auburn after the 2022 season as a graduate transfer. He already faced his former team once this season when Auburn beat Vanderbilt in Nashville 31-15 on Nov. 4.
This week, McAllister is back in Nashville, making one more trip back to Vanderbilt before his final collegiate game. McAllister will be performing at Nissan Stadium for the Music City Bowl on this trip, which is located across town. Saturday’s kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
McAllister described it as “weird, definitely funny” on Wednesday. “Man, I made a transfer,” I exclaimed. I’m gonna spend my entire life in Auburn, right? And in a single year, I return to Nashville twice. Being here is just different for me, but it’s enjoyable since I’m among the proper people and taking pleasure in that.
He was correct—almost every seat in FirstBank Stadium was occupied by Auburn supporters wearing orange attire. They chanted “Tigers” and “Auburn” back and forth along the stadium’s sides.
He is aware that this weekend will see another turnout of Auburn supporters.
Although McAllister may practice at Vanderbilt during this trip, a game at Nissan Stadium offers an experience he hasn’t had in this city before.
