In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, Tahaad Pettiford reacts to the return of Jakhi Howard and a former Arizona offensive guard is set to visit the Plains
After "Planegate" or "the horseplay incident" Auburn basketball freshman Jakhi Howard has been mostly absent from the Tigers' games. He and Ja'Heim Hudson, the two players involved in the situation, had played insignificant minutes in a few recent games, but Howard made his return known on Sunday morning with some big plays, including a massive dunk over Richmond's Jonathan Beagle.
“It kinda surprises me it was his first game back — and his first college body. It was huge,” said freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford, per Auburn Rivals. “I've seen that multiple times. It's nothing new, to be honest.”
Head coach Bruce Pearl went on to describe Howard as someone who is "going to help us get better" and that he was pleased with the freshman's performance.
The Tigers return to action this Saturday against Ohio State in Atlanta for Hoopsgiving.
Offensive guard is set to visit the Plains
Meanwhile, head coach Hugh Freeze and the Auburn football staff are working hard to recruit guys from the NCAA transfer portal, which opened yesterday. Right away, they are addressing the need for offensive linemen.
Former Arizona guard Wendell Moe Jr. is set to visit the Plains this Friday. The redshirt freshman spent three years at Arizona and has been a mainstay at left guard for the Wildcats in the last two seasons. Moe was the Wildcats' second-best pass blocker in 2024 with a season grade of 87.0, per Pro Football Focus.
Northwestern transfer OL Josh Thompson is also expected to visit Auburn football this week, and the Tigers will be looking to add multiple offensive linemen from the transfer portal before it closes.