Auburn Tigers men’s basketball continues to stay aggressive in the transfer portal as the coaching staff looks to reshape its backcourt ahead of next season. After already monitoring several guard options in recent weeks, Auburn has now turned its attention toward another proven scorer who could immediately strengthen the offensive rotation. With roster movement continuing across college basketball, the Tigers appear determined to add experience, production, and shot creation before portal activity slows down.
The latest target fits exactly what Auburn has been searching for — a guard capable of generating offense consistently while also handling lead playmaking duties. Auburn’s recent portal strategy has clearly focused on perimeter scoring, especially with the possibility of needing more veteran ball handlers who can create under pressure in SEC play. Bruce Pearl and his staff have emphasized guards who can score at all three levels, and this newest contact suggests Auburn wants a player ready to contribute immediately rather than develop over multiple seasons.
That player is Colby Garland, the standout junior guard from San Jose State Spartans men’s basketball who emerged as one of the most productive scorers in his conference this past season. According to reports, Auburn has already been in contact with Garland after he entered the transfer portal. The 6-foot guard, originally from Arkansas, averaged 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, numbers that immediately place him among the most attractive available backcourt options still exploring new destinations.
Garland’s offensive profile makes him especially intriguing for Auburn because of how quickly he can create his own shot and pressure defenses. He showed throughout the season that he can score in high-volume situations while also keeping teammates involved, something Auburn values heavily in its guard rotation. His speed in transition, ability to attack gaps, and confidence shooting from deep could give Auburn another perimeter weapon capable of changing games quickly against top SEC competition.
What also makes this recruitment important is Garland’s experience level. Unlike younger portal additions who may need time adjusting, he would arrive with significant college production and only one year of eligibility remaining, meaning Auburn would likely view him as an immediate-impact player. For a team expected to compete nationally again, adding someone who has already carried major offensive responsibility could be critical in balancing the roster.
Auburn’s portal activity is expected to remain active over the coming weeks as staff continue evaluating multiple guards and frontcourt options. Garland’s name now becomes one of the most notable linked to Auburn’s current portal board, and if discussions continue to build, this could become one of the more closely watched transfer pursuits of the offseason for the Tigers.