Steven Pearl Completely Rebuilt Auburn Through the Transfer Portal — And the Tigers Could Be Dangerous in 2026
Steven Pearl has wasted no time reshaping the future of Auburn Tigers men’s basketball, and the results of this offseason overhaul could turn Auburn into one of the most intriguing teams in college basketball heading into the 2026 campaign.
Just like Auburn football fans may need a fresh depth chart this fall, basketball supporters will probably need a program in hand during the opening weeks of the season. The Tigers’ roster has undergone a dramatic transformation, with portal additions, international talent, and experienced scorers now forming the core of the squad.
Only Tahaad Pettiford, Kevin Overton, and Blake Muschalek return as regular contributors from last season, showing just how aggressive Pearl and his staff have been in rebuilding the roster from top to bottom.
The biggest theme of Auburn’s offseason? Size, versatility, and experience.
With the addition of Lithuanian standout Mantas Rubštavičius and several proven transfer portal pickups, Auburn suddenly looks deeper, stronger, and far more dangerous than many expected.
Here’s an early projection of how the Tigers’ rotation could look entering the season.
Point Guard
Starter: Tahaad Pettiford
Backup: George Kimble III
Not long ago, many believed Pettiford would be gone before a third season on the Plains ever became reality. Instead, he returns as arguably the most important player on Auburn’s roster.
His development as both a scorer and floor general gives Auburn stability at the most important position on the court. Pettiford has the ability to completely change games offensively, but his leadership and control of tempo may end up being even more valuable for Pearl’s new-look squad.
Behind him, Kimble arrives from Vanderbilt Commodores men’s basketball after averaging 18.0 points per game last season. He brings instant offense and gives Auburn another guard capable of taking over stretches offensively.
Shooting Guard
Starter: Kevin Overton
Backups: Caleb Williams / Blake Muschalek / Simon Walker
Overton emerged as a massive weapon late last season and played a key role during Auburn’s run to the NIT title. His confidence skyrocketed during that stretch, and the Tigers will expect him to carry that momentum into 2026.
Freshman Caleb Williams could force his way into meaningful minutes quickly thanks to his athleticism and scoring ability, while Muschalek’s role may depend heavily on the development of a consistent perimeter shot.
Walker also adds depth to a position group that suddenly looks far more competitive than it did a year ago.
Small Forward
Starter: Mantas Rubštavičius
Backup: Adam Olsen
Rubštavičius may officially slot in as a small forward, but at 6-foot-6 with strong versatility, he could realistically play multiple positions in Auburn’s system.
The Lithuanian prospect adds size, skill, and international experience to the Tigers’ lineup, and his ability to stretch the floor could create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Meanwhile, Olsen arrives after averaging 16.7 points per game at South Alabama Jaguars men’s basketball while shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range. That kind of perimeter efficiency gives Auburn another dangerous scoring option on the wing.
Power Forward
Starter: Thomas Dowd
Backup: Owen Freeman
Dowd could become one of the biggest steals of Auburn’s offseason.
The former Troy Trojans men’s basketball standout averaged a double-double last season with 14.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, bringing toughness, rebounding, and physicality to the frontcourt.
Freeman, meanwhile, is still working toward rediscovering the form he showed during the 2023-24 season at Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball before suffering a major injury. If he returns to that level, Auburn’s frontcourt depth could become one of the team’s greatest strengths.
Center
Starter: Bukky Oboye
Backup: Narcisse Ngoy
Oboye made major strides last season at Santa Clara Broncos men’s basketball, averaging 7.9 points and 4.1 rebounds despite playing under 18 minutes per game.
With a significantly larger role expected at Auburn, those numbers could rise dramatically. His athleticism and defensive presence should make him a major part of the Tigers’ rotation.
Ngoy might be one of the most fascinating additions on the roster. The 7-footer already has professional experience in France and posted dominant numbers for Poitiers Basket 86, averaging 21 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in the French National League’s second division.
That experience against older competition could help him make an immediate impact in the SEC.
Auburn’s Portal Gamble Could Pay Off in a Massive Way
This Auburn roster may lack continuity, but it certainly does not lack talent.
Pearl and his staff have prioritized experienced scorers, physical frontcourt players, and versatile athletes capable of fitting multiple roles. The Tigers suddenly have more size, more depth, and far more offensive firepower than they did a season ago.
If the chemistry develops quickly, Auburn could become one of the biggest surprise teams in college basketball during the 2026 season — and Steven Pearl’s portal strategy may end up looking like a masterclass.
