Following a Final Four run, Auburn basketball is gearing up for a major roster overhaul for the 2025-26 season, with only rising sophomore potentially returning from last year’s squad.
Top star declared for the NBA Draft while retaining his college eligibility and has been actively testing the waters at the NBA Combine. He’s made it clear that unless he’s guaranteed a first-round contract, he plans to return to Auburn rather than enter the transfer portal—his options are the NBA or Auburn basketball.
With the deadline to withdraw from the draft and keep his eligibility set for Wednesday, May 28, the clock is ticking. Head coach Bruce Pearl, speaking at the annual Fore the Children golf fundraiser, revealed that the Tigers are prepared to offer Pettiford a competitive NIL deal and that there’s a genuine chance he’ll come back. Pearl expects Pettiford to decide within about a week.
The coach also emphasized the bigger role awaiting Pettiford if he returns. Last season, Pettiford came off the bench and averaged 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Pearl said, “If he does come back, he’s going to have to play an expanded role, which I know is something that is exciting to him—and probably exciting to our fan base, too, because we’ll get to see more of him. He’ll be a starter. There will be more on him.”
Most projections peg Pettiford as a second-round pick, but his strong combine performance leaves the door open for surprises in the coming week.