=Auburn Just Played the Portal Like a Pro—And the ACC Is Shook The Auburn Basketball team are building a basketball powerhouse once again—and the 2025-26 season might be their most exciting yet under Bruce Pearl. Following Tahaad Pettiford’s departure to the NBA, many wondered how Auburn would fill such massive shoes. The answer? A monster recruiting class headlined by…..

The Auburn Tigers are making noise—again. Under head coach Bruce Pearl, the program is reloading fast, smart, and aggressively. With the transfer portal and 2025 recruiting class firing on all cylinders, Auburn Basketball may be heading into its most electric season yet.

After the departure of star guard Tahaad Pettiford to the NBA, questions immediately swirled around how Auburn would replace such a dynamic presence. But Pearl and his staff didn’t waste a second. Instead, they turned the portal into a recruiting weapon, pulling off one of the most impressive offseasons in recent program history.

The Answer? A Monster Class Headlined by Star Talent

Leading the charge is 5-star forward Sean Stewart, a high-profile Duke transfer who brings size, athleticism, and elite rebounding instincts to the frontcourt. But Stewart is just the beginning.

Auburn has also landed:

• Austin Parks, a bruising 6’10” center who adds physicality and rim protection

• T. Ihenacho, a lightning-quick five-star combo guard known for his explosive first step and aggressive on-ball defense

• Veteran sharpshooter Jay Hardy, who surprised fans by announcing his return for another season, adding leadership and perimeter firepower

The Bruce Pearl Blueprint

Pearl has consistently turned Auburn into a national force with his high-energy coaching style and relentless recruiting approach. This latest wave of talent builds on that foundation, offering both star power and depth. More importantly, Auburn isn’t just collecting talent—they’re assembling a roster built for March.

Analysts are already projecting the Tigers as a top-10 team heading into the 2025-26 season, and Pearl’s portal wizardry has drawn praise across the basketball world. With a mix of veterans, elite transfers, and five-star freshmen, Auburn looks ready to shake up the SEC—and beyond.

One Message is Clear: Auburn Is Back

If this offseason proves anything, it’s that Bruce Pearl isn’t rebuilding—he’s reloading. And as the rest of the ACC watches elite talent slip south, one thing is clear: the Tigers just played the portal like pros—and everyone else better take notice.

Want a deeper breakdown of Auburn’s 2025-26 projected starting lineup?