Top-25 College Basketball: Auburn Projected Roster & Outlook
This series will provide an in-depth analysis of RotoWire’s preseason college basketball top-25, focusing on roster evaluations and anticipated rotations for the 2025-26 season for each team. Today’s spotlight is on the Auburn Tigers.
12. Auburn
Auburn faces the challenge of replacing significant experience this upcoming season. Notable players such as Johni Broome, Chad Baker-Mazara, Dylan Cardwell, Chris Moore, Chaney Johnson, Denver Jones, and Miles Kelly have all departed after playing extensive roles for the Tigers.
Last season presented Bruce Pearl with a prime opportunity to clinch that elusive championship, only to fall short in the National Semifinals against Florida. He has a significant task ahead to integrate the new roster, but he possesses the talent needed to contend at a high level in the SEC once again.
Only Tahaad Pettiford is expected to return, having provided a dynamic scoring presence off the bench in his freshman year. As a sophomore, he’s anticipated to take on a much larger role.
The most prominent addition from the transfer portal is Keyshawn Hall, a 6-7 forward who averaged an impressive 18.8 PPG at UCF and aims to maintain that production at his new school.
Meanwhile, KeShawn Murphy was among the SEC’s top rebounders last season with Mississippi State and is likely to start at center. Additionally, Kevin Overton, transferring from Texas Tech, is expected to add value as a floor-spacer.
Excitingly, Auburn has also secured the top JUCO prospect, Abdul Bashir, along with a leading D-II transfer, Elyjah Freeman. Bashir is a versatile 6-7 swingman who averaged a remarkable 27.2 PPG last season, while Freeman, contributing 18.9 PPG and 8.7 RPG, will bolster the team’s interior depth.
2025-26 Auburn Basketball Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Tahaad Pettiford (11.6 PPG, 1.8 3PM)
SG: Kevin Overton (7.8 PPG at Texas Tech)
SF: Abdul Bashir (27.2 PPG at Casper College)
PF: Keyshawn Hall (18.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG at UCF)
C: KeShawn Murphy (11.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG at Mississippi State)
Key Reserves: Kaden Magwood (No. 39 in ESPN 100), Sebastian Williams-Adams (No. 45 in ESPN 100), Elyjah Freeman (18.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG at Lincoln Memorial), Simon Walker (No. 99 in ESPN 100), Emeka Opurum (9.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG at Butler Community College)
For updates on how injuries are impacting player statuses, check RotoWire’s college basketball injury report.
