The life of a kicker is a high-wire act, where a single swing of the leg can immortalize or can doink an extra point off the upright and trigger a coaching change. For Texas Longhorns’ Bert Auburn, that razor-thin margin defines his career and, perhaps, his 2024 season. Auburn’s field goal in the SEC Championship against Georgia cemented him as the all-time leader in field goals for Texas with 61, yet his inconsistent campaign kept fans on edge.

Despite struggles that made some games feel more like a rollercoaster ride than a football matchup, Auburn’s personal life has been the quieter subplot stealing the spotlight, with their biggest in-state rival’s student emerging as the presumed partner in this narrative.

The Texas football team seemed to have the Peach Bowl wrapped up against Arizona State, the game reaching overtime. They scored two touchdowns and got two two-point conversions to tie the game, but Bert Auburn disastrously missed both of them. And his rumoured sweet heart might not love the reason why he got distracted. On social media, Auburn frequently appears alongside a girl named Madison Rimbey.

Though neither has officially confirmed their relationship. The whispers started back in June 2023, when Auburn posted a photo captioned “Spring and Summer,” featuring Madison. More recently, Madison posted a picture of them together on Dec. 23, 2024, in the stadium after Texas’ first playoff win against Clemson. Bert’s comments, “New years in Atlanta!” fueled the fire, hinting at their close bond.

Madison Rimbey, with her impressive academic and professional background, brings an intriguing dimension to Auburn’s story. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, she’s currently pursuing a Master’s in Management Information Systems at the same institution. Beyond the classroom, Madison has gained experience in roles ranging from a sales associate at CycleBar to a finance intern at Stryker. Her well-rounded resume adds layers to her presence alongside Auburn, though at a rival university, their bond is sweet.

Auburn’s SEC Championship milestone came amid a challenging season, marked by 10 of 15 on field goals, which has been low-lighted by some poor misses that ended up way off the mark. Fortunately, with how most of Texas’ games have gone leading up to the postseason, Auburn wasn’t asked to make any clutch kicks. As a result, some of his struggles haven’t taken center stage, up until New Year’s. Fans, naturally, began connecting the dots between his on-field hiccups and his rumored relationship, wondering if personal distractions played a role.

Still, Bert Auburn remains an enigma. His calm demeanor in interviews and interactions suggests he thrives under pressure, even when the narrative shifts toward the personal. As Auburn’s Longhorns prepare for the Cotton Bowl against the mighty Ohio State, the attention on his kicking and his rumored relationship will only grow.

The reason for Bert Auburn missing those kicks

As eye-popping as it sounds, Madison would not like to hear the reason. Texas kicker Bert Auburn had a day he’d probably like to forget. Auburn, usually as reliable as they come, missed two potential game-winning field goals in the last two minutes of the Sugar Bowl, nearly derailing Texas’ CFP semifinals hopes. But hold on—there might actually be an explanation for his off day. And no, it’s not one his girlfriend will be thrilled about.

As Auburn lined up to warm up for his final kick, video footage captured a curious distraction: two women from the ASU staff casually strolling right in front of him. Coincidence? Maybe. Intentional? Who knows? But the timing couldn’t have been worse. Auburn looked visibly rattled, and his kick sailed wide, leaving Longhorns fans in stunned silence.

Whether Madison Rimbey is indeed the one cheering him on behind the scenes or not. For now the Texas faithful can only hope he saves his best kick for the moment, if he’ll need to on Jan. 10 against the Bucks.