Breaking News: As the final member of Auburn’s starting five, 25-year-old Chad Baker-Mazara, declares, “I’m not going anywhere,” excitement erupts at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. After making the audacious choice, he is scheduled to return for the 2025–2026 season.

In a surprise announcement that sent shockwaves rippling through the Auburn Tigers fanbase, 25-year-old forward Chad Baker-Mazara delivered a declaration that could shape the trajectory of the 2025–2026 college basketball season: “I’m not going anywhere.”

Standing at center court of Jordan-Hare Stadium—typically a cathedral for football but transformed today into a venue for basketball jubilation—Baker-Mazara grabbed the mic with confidence and made his intentions clear. The crowd erupted. For a program that had already seen four starters move on to professional aspirations, Baker-Mazara’s return is not just a roster decision—it’s a statement of belief in Auburn’s culture, its ambitions, and head coach Bruce Pearl’s enduring vision.

Baker-Mazara, a 6-foot-7 wing known for his defensive versatility, infectious energy, and ability to hit momentum-changing shots, is now the only returning starter from a squad that advanced deep into the NCAA Tournament this past season. While his teammates — Johni Broome, Denver Jones, K.D. Johnson, and Jaylin Williams — either declared for the NBA Draft or exhausted their eligibility, Baker-Mazara has opted to run it back one more time.

“I believe we left something on the table,” Baker-Mazara said. “This team, this program, this fanbase — they mean everything to me. I’m coming back to finish what we started.”

The crowd at Jordan-Hare roared, with Pearl watching from the sideline, eyes glassy with pride.

Baker-Mazara’s college journey is anything but conventional. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New Jersey, his path to Auburn included stops at Duquesne, San Diego State, and Northwest Florida State College before ultimately finding a home on the Plains. Known for his fiery demeanor and resilience, he’s evolved from a raw, emotionally charged player into a mature and steady leader.

In his first season with Auburn, Baker-Mazara averaged 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, shooting 39% from three-point range and routinely guarding the opposing team’s best wing. His two-way presence and vocal leadership became increasingly essential as the Tigers made their deepest March Madness run since their Final Four appearance in 2019.

“He’s our glue guy,” Pearl said throughout the season. “Every team needs a guy who brings that edge, who’s willing to say what needs to be said, and Chad’s that guy for us.”

Baker-Mazara’s decision is more than just basketball—it’s a cultural touchstone. Auburn has become a hotbed for high-level college hoops under Pearl, who is entering his 11th season with the program. But transitions are inevitable in the transfer portal era. With top talents frequently entering the draft or jumping ship for NIL opportunities, continuity has become rare and precious.

“I didn’t want to just be another name on the roster that came and went,” Baker-Mazara explained. “I want to be remembered as a Tiger who gave everything for this program, who came back when I didn’t have to, because I believed.”

His return signals that Auburn’s culture still holds power, even in an increasingly transactional era. In an offseason filled with roster turnover, having a player of Baker-Mazara’s caliber stick around sends a loud message: Auburn isn’t rebuilding—it’s reloading.

With four starters moving on, Pearl is expected to lean heavily on a mix of incoming freshmen, transfer portal additions, and returning bench players. Baker-Mazara’s return offers a critical stabilizing presence in both the locker room and on the floor.

Among the expected contributors next season:

• Tahaad Pettiford, a McDonald’s All-American point guard, could emerge as a breakout star in the backcourt.
• Chaney Johnson and Dylan Cardwell, both experienced rotational players, are expected to take on expanded roles.
• Incoming transfers — including a pair of top-50 wings reportedly leaning toward Auburn — may now be further encouraged by Baker-Mazara’s return.
• Freshman forward Josiah Moseley, a top-100 recruit, may thrive learning next to a seasoned veteran like Chad.

“I’m excited to take on a bigger leadership role,” Baker-Mazara said. “I want to mentor these young guys, make sure they understand what it means to wear that Auburn jersey.”

The scene at Jordan-Hare felt more like a football Saturday than a spring basketball presser. Students rushed from class to catch the tail end of the announcement. The jumbotron flashed “HE’S BACK” in blazing orange and blue. Social media exploded with hashtags like #OneMoreYear, #ChadIsBack, and #WarDamnChad trending across platforms.

Longtime Auburn fan Patricia Whitaker, 62, summed up the mood perfectly: “We’ve had stars before, but there’s something about Chad. He plays like he’d give you the shirt off his back if it meant winning. He’s our heart and soul.”

On-campus celebrations erupted within minutes. The local bookstore saw a spike in custom jersey orders. Pearl joked that he might have to “buy him dinner every night from now until November” to say thank you.

Bruce Pearl, who has had a historic run at Auburn that includes two SEC Championships and a Final Four appearance, didn’t mince words.

“Today is bigger than basketball,” he said. “It’s about loyalty. It’s about believing in something. Chad could’ve chased a check. He could’ve moved on. Instead, he chose to stay with us — and that means more than people realize.”

Pearl added that Baker-Mazara’s return will give Auburn “a leg up” in recruiting, development, and chemistry as the new season begins.

Interestingly, Baker-Mazara was projected as a second-round NBA Draft pick in several early 2025 mock drafts. Scouts praised his length, defensive ability, and upside as a 3-and-D wing.

“I saw the projections,” Baker-Mazara admitted. “But I knew I could be better. I want to leave no doubt next year. I’m not coming back just to play — I’m coming back to dominate.”

He’s expected to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft, where he could enter as one of the most experienced and mature prospects in the class.

With Baker-Mazara returning as the centerpiece, Auburn suddenly finds itself right back in the SEC title conversation. Though the league will be loaded again—with Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas boasting elite talent—Auburn’s mix of experience, youthful firepower, and coaching stability makes it a dangerous contender.

“I love being the underdog,” Baker-Mazara smiled. “Let them doubt us. We’ll see them on the court.”

Chad Baker-Mazara may not have been a household name when he arrived on the Plains, but his decision to stay has elevated him to Tiger legend status. In a world where college athletes increasingly prioritize personal brand and short-term gain, his long-term commitment speaks volumes.

“He could’ve gone pro. He could’ve transferred. Instead, he said, ‘I’m finishing this with my brothers, with Coach Pearl, and with Auburn,’” said former teammate K.D. Johnson via Instagram Live. “That’s real.”

Before leaving the stage, Baker-Mazara turned to the crowd one last time.

“I don’t want a farewell tour. I want a championship. So let’s run it back, Auburn.”

The stadium trembled with applause.

And with that, Auburn’s 2025–2026 season officially began — not with a tip-off, but with a promise from its most passionate warrior: he’s not going anywhere.