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“Resetting the Jungle: Tracking Every Auburn Basketball Roster Move Ahead of the 2025-26 Season”

season is always a time of reflection and recalibration in college basketball, and for the Auburn Tigers, the period ahead of the 2025–26 season has proven to be especially pivotal. Under the watchful eye of head coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn has cemented itself as a contender in the SEC and a force nationally. But staying at that level means constantly evolving—and this offseason, the Tigers’ roster has undergone a substantial reshuffling. Between early NBA Draft departures, transfer portal entries, new additions, and incoming freshmen, the makeup of Auburn’s squad will look noticeably different when the Tigers take the floor this fall.

Tracking every change has become a full-time task for fans and analysts alike, and rightly so. Auburn’s ability to reload—not just rebuild—will define whether this program remains in the national spotlight or takes a temporary step back. As Bruce Pearl and his staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to solidify the 2025–26 roster, here’s a comprehensive look at where the pieces have moved, where they stand now, and what it all means going forward.

The most significant changes typically come at the top of the talent chart, and this year has been no exception. Auburn saw a pair of key contributors from the 2024–25 roster test the NBA Draft waters. Leading scorer and fan favorite Johni Broome officially declared for the draft after a stellar senior campaign, where he averaged a double-double and anchored Auburn’s frontcourt with toughness and touch. Though there was some hope among fans for a return via the COVID year waiver, Broome has stayed committed to his professional path, leaving a massive hole in the paint for the Tigers.

Joining him in departing the program is dynamic wing player Denver Jones, who declared for the draft as well and signed with an agent. His ability to score in bunches and stretch the floor made him a vital piece in Auburn’s offensive scheme, and his absence leaves a need for shot creation and experience on the perimeter.

In addition to those draft-bound stars, the transfer portal has claimed its share of Auburn talent. Several bench contributors have opted to pursue greater opportunities elsewhere. Players like Tre Donaldson and Chaney Johnson entered the portal early in the offseason, signaling their desire for expanded roles and fresh starts. While neither was a primary scorer, both provided key minutes and depth, particularly in defensive matchups and second-unit rotations. Their departures further underscore the need for Auburn to build not just a talented starting five, but a deep and reliable bench.

On the flip side of the portal, Auburn has made some aggressive and strategic additions. The biggest fish reeled in so far is former Georgetown guard Jayden Epps. A combo guard with elite ball-handling, scoring instincts, and a strong body for attacking the rim, Epps is expected to play a starring role in Auburn’s backcourt. His ability to generate offense both on and off the ball makes him a potential breakout star in the SEC, and his arrival couldn’t be better timed given the losses of Jones and Donaldson.

Also joining the Tigers is high-upside forward Blake Buchanan from Virginia. A former top-100 recruit, Buchanan didn’t see extensive playing time with the Cavaliers but comes to Auburn with a reputation as a stretch-four in development. With Pearl’s staff known for developing frontcourt talent, Buchanan could blossom into a key rotation piece—especially in a system that values mobility and versatility in its bigs.

Another noteworthy addition is former Texas Tech swingman Kerwin Walton. Though Walton’s collegiate career hasn’t quite lived up to the hype he carried out of high school, his experience and ability to shoot from beyond the arc make him an intriguing depth piece. If he can find his rhythm in Auburn’s uptempo style, he could serve as a veteran sharpshooter who spaces the floor and punishes zone defenses.

Freshman additions will also play a role, though their impact may vary depending on how quickly they adapt to the college level. The 2025 recruiting class isn’t as star-studded as in some recent cycles, but it carries a solid blend of talent and potential. Leading the group is 4-star guard CJ Anderson, a slashing scorer with excellent court vision and a competitive motor. He’s already drawn comparisons to former Auburn standout Jared Harper in terms of build and energy. If Anderson can adapt to the physicality of the SEC, he may carve out minutes earlier than expected.

Other freshmen in the fold include stretch forward Marcus Riley and defensive-minded center Zaire Peterson. Riley brings length and a smooth shooting touch, while Peterson is considered a raw but promising rim protector. Both are expected to be developmental pieces initially, but each has the upside to contribute in spurts throughout the season.

Beyond the individual names, the biggest question now becomes how all the new pieces will fit together. Bruce Pearl has always prioritized spacing, tempo, and positionless basketball, but implementing those ideas with a largely new group is easier said than done. Chemistry and leadership will be key—especially with the departure of veterans like Broome and Jones, who anchored both ends of the floor.

Pearl will likely build around Epps in the backcourt, pairing him with returning guard Aden Holloway, who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman but struggled with consistency. If Holloway can take the expected sophomore leap, Auburn’s guard play could become one of the most dynamic duos in the league. The combination of Epps’ attacking style and Holloway’s deep range has the potential to put serious pressure on opposing defenses.

In the frontcourt, Buchanan and returning big Dylan Cardwell will need to shoulder the load early. Cardwell brings energy, rebounding, and shot-blocking—qualities that can help anchor a defense—but he’ll need to step up as a scorer with Broome gone. Whether Auburn dips back into the portal for another proven big remains a possibility, especially if the coaching staff feels they lack enough interior scoring.

On the wings, expect a mix of returners and newcomers to battle for minutes. Chris Moore’s return for a super senior season offers toughness and leadership, while sophomore forward Chad Baker-Mazara brings a high ceiling and scoring upside. If Walton finds his form and Anderson can acclimate quickly, Auburn may have one of the more well-rounded rotations in the conference.

Still, with so many new faces, it’s fair to expect growing pains. Chemistry takes time, and in a league as competitive as the SEC, there’s little room for error. Early non-conference matchups will be crucial in establishing rhythm and defining roles. Pearl has always embraced a “trial by fire” approach, letting his players learn through adversity, and this season may require that mindset more than ever.

Ultimately, Auburn’s offseason moves reflect the reality of modern college basketball—rosters are fluid, and successful programs must be nimble. The combination of outgoing stars, strategic portal additions, and promising freshmen gives Pearl a fresh puzzle to solve. If the pieces fit together quickly, Auburn could once again find itself in the thick of the SEC title race and a threat in March.

But make no mistake: this is a new-look Tigers team, and the identity they forge over the coming months will determine just how far they can go. As the dust settles and the 2025–26 season approaches, one thing is certain—the Jungle is ready to roar once again, with a new cast of characters set to write the next chapter in Auburn basketball history.