Auburn basketball gave its all, but fell short in the Final Four after an all-time 2024-25 season. Now, it faces the losses of Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell, Miles Kelly, and Denver Jones due to no remaining eligibility, and Tahaad Pettiford potentially being a one-and-done if an NBA team gives him more money than AU. Jahki Howard is also a goner via the transfer portal.
The Yellowhammer News' John Longshore and Barry McKnight acknowledged that "the unpredictability of the transfer portal and NIL deals clouds next season’s outlook," while noting that the program is losing the most accomplished player ever in Johni Broome.
There's no denying it, Bruce Pearl and his coaching staff have major work to do. They began that work by landing Keyshawn Hall, but missing out on Flory Bidunga to Kansas (again) felt like a sign of the imminent times: losing out to bigger teams with a more clear NIL revenue share being introduced.
Coming off a Final Four win, Auburn has plenty to sell recruits on, but money will always trump a great sales pitch.
How do the Tigers overcome that? Many recruits understand a change in leadership could be sudden, with Pearl now delving into the political waters.
Bruce Pearl named Chairman of the Board of Directors for the U.S. Israel Education Association
As OutKick's Trey Wallace explains, Pearl's new off-court role gives him power as an evangelist for the Israeli cause.
"The U.S. Israel Education Association (USIEA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating government leaders, who are advancing important dialogue between the United States and Israel," Wallace wrote.
"Now, Bruce Pearl will not only be coaching basketball, but he will be an influential piece in making sure that our leaders are well-advised on the current impact the relationship between both parties is having on the future."
Could this be the first phase of the Steven Pearl succession plan? It certainly feels like it.