It was a tough end to a stellar season for the Auburn Tigers, who fell just short of the national title game after a heartbreaking Final Four loss to SEC rival Florida. As disappointing as the result was, head coach Bruce Pearl is wasting no time turning the page and preparing for next season—focused on both bringing in new talent and retaining key contributors.
One of the biggest names Auburn fans are watching closely is freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford. After initial reports suggested Pettiford had announced his return to Auburn, he took to social media to clarify that nothing is set in stone just yet. While many hoped he’d shut down speculation of transferring or declaring for the NBA Draft, Pettiford’s message made it clear: the door remains open for all options.
With the transfer portal as active as ever and Pettiford’s stock rising, Pearl will likely make him a top priority in the coming weeks as Auburn looks to solidify its roster for another deep tournament run.
Auburn freshman Tahaad Pettiford is still undecided on his plans for next season
It definitely looked like Tahaad Pettiford was locked in for a return to Auburn in 2025-26, but for now, he’s keeping all his options on the table. After a standout freshman campaign—where he averaged 11.6 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 rebounds—he’s earned the right to take his time with the decision.
Pettiford’s poise and playmaking ability turned heads, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Auburn. The Jersey City native played like a seasoned vet, and his potential for even greater impact next season has the Tiger faithful hoping for good news. Still, with his NBA Draft stock on the rise and the always-active transfer portal looming, it’s understandable that he’s evaluating every possible route.
The best-case scenario for Bruce Pearl and Auburn would obviously be a return, but all eyes will be on Pettiford as he weighs his options. Whether he tests the draft waters or entertains other programs, the decision will be a big one—and it could shape the outlook of Auburn’s 2025-26 season.