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3 Potential Portal Additions for the Auburn Tigers Backcourt/Wings
As the offseason churns forward, the Auburn Tigers basketball program finds itself in a familiar position: reloading with championship aspirations. While Bruce Pearl’s squad boasted impressive depth in the 2024-25 campaign, key departures—including transfers, NBA declarations, and graduations—have opened up several valuable roster spots, particularly in the backcourt and on the wings.
With the transfer portal in full swing, Auburn is once again a prime destination for high-level players looking to contribute to a winning program in the SEC. Whether it’s adding a dynamic shot-creator, a three-and-D wing, or an experienced combo guard, the Tigers have multiple options to bolster their perimeter.
Here are three potential portal additions that could elevate Auburn’s backcourt and wings heading into the 2025-26 season.
1. Meechie Johnson – Combo Guard, South Carolina
Why He Fits:
Few players in the portal bring the combination of SEC experience, scoring prowess, and leadership like Meechie Johnson. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 14.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in 2024-25 for South Carolina, leading the Gamecocks to one of their best seasons in recent memory. With the ability to play both on and off the ball, Johnson gives Auburn flexibility alongside Tre Donaldson or Aden Holloway, depending on who returns or remains in a starting role.
Johnson is especially dangerous in isolation and late-clock situations, an area where Auburn lacked a consistent creator last season. His shot-making ability—especially from deep—could open up driving lanes for the Tigers’ slashers and bigs. He also brings toughness and a fiery competitive edge that would complement Bruce Pearl’s aggressive style.
Potential Role:
Johnson could step in immediately as either a starting two-guard or the first guard off the bench, depending on how Auburn structures its lineups. With experience in the SEC and a career total of over 1,000 points scored, Johnson would bring leadership to a team full of younger talent.
Interest Level:
Auburn has reportedly reached out to Johnson’s camp, and there’s mutual interest. Given his knowledge of the league and Pearl’s track record with transfers, the Tigers could be in a strong position here if they prioritize him.
2. Wooga Poplar – Shooting Guard/Wing, Miami (FL)
Why He Fits:
Wooga Poplar is the prototype of a modern wing: long, athletic, and versatile on both ends. At 6-foot-5 with a near-7-foot wingspan, Poplar is coming off a season where he averaged 13.5 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 38% from three on high volume. His perimeter defense is equally impressive—Poplar frequently guarded the opposing team’s best scorer at Miami and was a key reason the Hurricanes remained competitive during an otherwise injury-riddled campaign.
For Auburn, Poplar fills a critical need. The Tigers could use another true wing who can defend multiple positions and consistently knock down shots. Poplar’s ability to stretch the floor and guard 1-3 would allow Auburn to play switch-heavy defense while maintaining offensive spacing.
Potential Role:
Poplar would be a plug-and-play starter on the wing, giving Auburn a high-level 3-and-D threat next to its primary playmakers. His ability to slide between the two and three positions would give Pearl more lineup flexibility, especially if Auburn returns a bigger frontcourt.
He could also take over the primary wing defensive responsibilities vacated by players like Chris Moore or Chaney Johnson (if either doesn’t return).
Interest Level:
Poplar’s portal entry has drawn interest from several high-majors, but Auburn’s combination of competitive NIL packages, development opportunities, and a proven defensive system could be the difference-maker. Sources close to the situation indicate Auburn has already made contact.
3. Trevon Brazile – Forward/Wing, Arkansas
Why He Fits:
Though traditionally viewed as a stretch four, Trevon Brazile’s athleticism and perimeter skillset make him a candidate to play on the wing in Auburn’s system. The 6-foot-9 Arkansas transfer has been one of the most tantalizing talents in the SEC—when healthy. After missing much of the 2023-24 season, Brazile returned in 2024-25 to average 10.7 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 34% from three.
Brazile’s ceiling is sky-high. He can protect the rim, hit trail threes, and run the floor like a guard. Auburn could use him in hybrid lineups, letting him play as a big wing or even a small-ball four. He’s the kind of high-upside player that Bruce Pearl thrives with—long, athletic, and capable of taking over a game when locked in.
Potential Role:
Brazile would likely play as a stretch wing-forward hybrid, giving Auburn an athletic mismatch against slower defenders. He could also thrive in Auburn’s transition game, finishing lobs and attacking closeouts. His presence could help free up space for a true slashing guard or an interior-focused big man.
If Auburn leans into a more positionless approach next season, Brazile is a must-get.
Interest Level:
Though Brazile may test NBA waters again, he entered the portal with serious interest in playing a final college season to boost his draft stock. Auburn is believed to be one of the programs on his shortlist, particularly due to the SEC familiarity and opportunity for a major role. He’s already visited one school, and Auburn is pushing to get him on campus soon.
Honorable Mentions:
• Riley Kugel (Florida)
A big guard with explosive athleticism, Kugel had an up-and-down season but still projects as a high-level scorer. He’s on Auburn’s radar but has drawn significant interest from West Coast programs.
• Terrence Edwards Jr. (James Madison)
The Sun Belt Player of the Year is in high demand. Edwards can play both wing spots and defend. Auburn has inquired, but Power 5 suitors like Alabama, Texas, and Indiana are also in the mix.
• Brendan Hausen (Villanova)
An elite shooter with size at 6-foot-4, Hausen would bring perimeter scoring off the bench. Auburn has shown mild interest, though they may prefer a more versatile defender.
Auburn’s Roster Landscape
As of mid-April, Auburn’s roster remains in flux. Players like Aden Holloway and Tre Donaldson could return, but both have received interest from other programs and may test NBA waters or seek new roles. Denver Jones is also a potential returnee, though his production dipped slightly last season.
Chaney Johnson and Johni Broome are mulling NBA options, and freshman phenom Tahaad Pettiford will join the fold regardless. Auburn has one of the top incoming classes in the SEC, but adding proven talent from the portal is essential if the Tigers want to contend for a Final Four spot.
Bruce Pearl has never shied away from building through the transfer portal. He’s shown an ability to mix incoming freshmen with veteran portal additions to create deep, dangerous teams. Just look at his success stories: K.D. Johnson (Georgia), Wendell Green Jr. (Eastern Kentucky), and Zep Jasper (College of Charleston) all became integral parts of Auburn’s winning culture after transferring in.
Final Thoughts
Auburn isn’t just looking for talent—they’re searching for fits. With the SEC getting stronger across the board and national programs like Kansas, UConn, and Duke restocking quickly, the margin for error in roster construction is razor-thin.
Adding a dynamic combo guard like Meechie Johnson, a lockdown 3-and-D wing like Wooga Poplar, or a high-upside forward like Trevon Brazile could be the difference between another solid season and a legitimate Final Four run.
Bruce Pearl and his staff have the blueprint. Now it’s just about executing it.
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