USA TODAY Sports places new-look Auburn at No. 25 in 'too-early' rankings
Outside of Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn basketball's roster will look completely different from last season's Final Four squad. That storyline is the driving force behind college basketball experts being skeptical when putting high expectations on the Tigers heading into the new season.
USA TODAY Sports recently dropped its updated too-early top-25 rankings following the end of the transfer portal window and the NBA draft. The team of Eddie Timanus, Paul Myerberg, Jordan Mendoza, and Erick Smith believes that Auburn will, once again, be a challenger for the Final Four. However, the Tigers will need to prove that they can contend with a new roster. Due to the uncertainty, USA TODAY has placed Auburn at No. 25 in its latest "too-early top-25."
The guys at USA TODAY feel that Auburn's rebuilding efforts through the transfer portal and junior college recruiting will keep them in the national eye this season.
Experienced stars led Auburn last season, but the entire starting unit is gone following the tough loss of Chad Baker-Mazara to Southern California. Bruce Pearl knew he had to replenish the roster, and he did so with significant recruiting and transfer classes. Keyshawn Hall (Central Florida) and Kevin Overton (Texas Tech) arrive after strong seasons, and there's intrigue with the Tigers bringing in the top junior college transfer, Abdul Bashir. A new crop of players will join Tahaad Pettiford, the one key returnee that had a big role in the Final Four squad.
Pettiford will slide into the point guard role following the departure of Denver Jones to graduation. The front court will have the most questions this season as starters Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell, as well as key bench piece Chaney Johnson, are out of eligibility. Look for transfer Keyshawn Hall, Keshawn Murphy, and a junior college product Emeka Opurum to take over the Tigers' four and five spots as they look to return to the Final Four in 2026.
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
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