Bruce Pearl took a stand against the MAC's Miami (OH) Redhawks being a potential at-large bid in the event their thus far perfect season doesn't last beyond their conference tournament run in a few weeks.
Pearl and fellow TNT College Basketball co-host Adam Lefkoe essentially made the case that Miami (OH) shouldn't make it over the Auburn Tigers, of which Bruce's son Steven is barely leading to the NCAA Tournament bubble with Selection Sunday looming.
“Miami (Ohio), here’s the deal ... Are we selecting the 68 most deserving teams? Or are we going to select the 68 best teams? If we’re selecting the 68 best teams, then Miami (Ohio) is going to have to win their tournament to qualify as a champion. Because as an at-large, they are not one of the best teams in the country. And that’s going to be a difficult choice for the committee to make," Pearl said.
"For the mid-majors and low-majors, it’s all about the tournament, because they recognize, you know, it’s only going to be a one-bid league. For the rest of the leagues, it’s all about the grind of the regular-season championship, and I think that’s what matters most.”
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Auburn shouldn't be adversaries against Miami (OH) right now
Bruce just made Auburn the villain against one of College Basketball's favorite stories during the 2025-26 season. The Redhawks, unlike the Tigers, are overcoming modest NIL/rev-share investments and playing like a great team.
Bruce making that case with Lefkoe on air at this very moment in time just doesn't sit right. Steven's team hasn't played well enough to start complaining about multiple weeks in advance if they miss the tournament.
It may also be Auburn that needs to win the conference tournament in a few weeks. Bruce just gave the trolls ammo if Miami (OH) actually does make March Madness and the Tigers are left on the outside looking in.