Cam Newton had more than his fair share of success during his time at Auburn and has translated it to the NFL. As for Deshaun Watson, the Clemson signal caller was a play away from beating Newton’s biggest collegiate rival, Alabama, in last year’s national championship game.

It just so happens that Newton and Watson are friends, according to al.com’s James Crepea. And first up on Auburn’s schedule in 2016 are the Clemson Tigers, on Sept. 3.

If Newton is indeed helping Watson out, that doesn’t bode well for Auburn fans Week 1.

“Me and Cam are really close,” Watson said at the ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte on Friday (via al.com). “Had the opportunity and privilege to meet him in junior high school, playing for his first seven-on-seven team. Ever since then we became close friends. Communicate all the time, text, call.

“But he just give(s) me good advice pretty much off the field,” Watson said. “Saying to be true to who I am, listen to the coaching staff, buy into the process, don’t get yourself distracted with the outside things, just focus on the main things.”

If the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner’s advice is good enough, Watson – an early favorite – may just win the same award in 2016.