BREAKING NEWS: Jahki Howard Shocks the Nation — “I’m Not Going Anywhere!” Auburn Star Returning for 2025-26 Season
In a move that has stunned fans, analysts, and NBA scouts alike, Auburn Tigers sensation Jahki Howard has announced that he will return for the 2025-26 college basketball season. The electrifying forward, who many projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, delivered the news via a heartfelt video posted to social media late Friday afternoon. Standing at the edge of Auburn Arena’s court, with the iconic jungle of orange and blue seats behind him, Howard looked straight into the camera and declared, “I’m not going anywhere.”
That simple sentence has already become a rallying cry on the Plains, reigniting hopes for a championship run and reaffirming Howard’s status as one of college basketball’s most beloved and loyal figures.
Howard’s decision flies in the face of conventional wisdom in today’s college basketball landscape. With name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities skyrocketing and NBA scouts buzzing over his elite athleticism and upside, most assumed he would declare for the draft after a standout season. But in an era when one-and-done has become the norm, Howard is rewriting the script—and doing it his way.
The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 18.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this past season while shooting 47.6% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range. He was the heart and soul of an Auburn team that reached the Sweet Sixteen, dazzling with high-flying dunks, swarming defense, and a level of swagger that became contagious. His signature moments—from the game-winning three against Tennessee to the emphatic chase-down block against Kentucky—are already etched into Auburn lore.
The buzz around Howard had reached fever pitch heading into the offseason. NBA scouts labeled him a “lottery sleeper” due to his rare blend of size, speed, and competitive fire. Meanwhile, brands had already started lining up for what promised to be a lucrative NIL campaign. But Howard has always been more than a business decision. For him, Auburn is home.
“This place changed my life,” Howard said in the video. “Coach [Bruce] Pearl believed in me. The fans—y’all believed in me. I’m not finished here. I came to Auburn to build something special, and we’ve still got work to do.”
It’s that mentality—unwavering loyalty, hunger, and heart—that has endeared Howard to the Auburn faithful. From day one, he embraced the program’s blue-collar identity. He was never about flash for flash’s sake, even though his highlights lit up SportsCenter nightly. He wanted wins. He wanted respect. He wanted to leave a legacy.
And now, he has the chance to cement that legacy in a way few Auburn players ever have.
With Howard back in the fold, Auburn instantly becomes a top-five team in the nation heading into next season. The Tigers return a solid core, including emerging point guard Kaleb Washington, sharpshooting guard Mason Barnes, and bruising big man Luke Holloway. Add in a top-10 recruiting class and potentially a key addition or two from the transfer portal, and Bruce Pearl has a legitimate national title contender on his hands.
Make no mistake—this decision will reverberate across college basketball.
While the transfer portal has created an age of roster volatility, Howard’s return represents something different. It’s a reminder that loyalty still matters. That college basketball still has stars who care deeply about their school, their teammates, and their fans. That unfinished business is a good enough reason to stay.
Coach Pearl, visibly emotional during a press conference held shortly after the announcement, didn’t hold back his praise.
“This is one of the proudest moments of my coaching career,” Pearl said. “Jahki could have gone pro. He could have chased the money. He could have done what everyone expected him to do. But he chose Auburn. He chose his brothers. He chose this family. That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of young man he is.”
Pearl went on to call Howard “the ultimate competitor” and “a once-in-a-generation leader.”
Indeed, Howard’s leadership has been on full display throughout his time at Auburn. He’s the first in the gym and the last to leave. He holds teammates accountable. He uplifts others in the locker room, whether they’re starters or walk-ons. And perhaps most importantly, he plays with a joy and fire that can’t be faked.
“He brings the juice,” said Washington, the team’s sophomore point guard. “Every practice, every game, every time we lace ‘em up—Jahki’s the heartbeat. When he said he was staying, I swear I almost cried. That’s our guy.”
For fans, the reaction was immediate and explosive. Within minutes of the video going live, “Jahki” trended nationally on social media. Auburn students flooded Toomer’s Corner, rolling the trees in a celebration usually reserved for Iron Bowl victories or Final Four berths. ESPN interrupted its programming to report the news. Analysts across the country took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their astonishment.
“Wow. Didn’t see that coming,” wrote college hoops insider Jeff Goodman. “Jahki Howard is a pro. But clearly, he’s also a Tiger.”
Others praised the impact his decision could have on the sport more broadly. CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein called it “a game-changer,” noting that Howard’s return could inspire other elite players to consider similar paths—especially with NIL dollars making it possible to stay financially stable while pursuing a college legacy.
And make no mistake: Howard’s brand is only growing. His NIL valuation, which already sat in the high six figures according to several insiders, is now expected to surpass seven figures in the wake of his announcement. Sources close to the program suggest several national brands are preparing to launch “Return of the King”-style campaigns featuring Howard, capitalizing on the momentum of his return.
But Howard, true to form, isn’t focused on the money or the spotlight. He’s focused on banners.
“I don’t want to be remembered as just a highlight reel,” he said in a follow-up interview with the SEC Network. “I want to be remembered as a champion. I want to hang something from those rafters. That’s what drives me.”
That mindset has already had a ripple effect inside the locker room. Reports indicate that several players who were weighing transfer or pro options are now leaning toward staying, spurred by Howard’s commitment. Team chemistry—already one of the Tigers’ strengths—appears poised to reach new heights next season.
And for Auburn fans, Howard’s decision offers more than just a boost in title hopes. It’s a source of pride. A validation of the culture Bruce Pearl has built. A symbol that even in today’s ever-changing college athletics world, heart still matters.
“This is what it’s all about,” said longtime fan and booster Mark Thornton. “Kids like Jahki remind us why we love college basketball in the first place. He’s got the talent, no doubt. But more than that, he’s got soul. He bleeds orange and blue.”
As the offseason rolls on, Howard will remain at the center of college basketball’s spotlight. He’ll be the face of Auburn, yes—but also the face of something deeper. A throwback star with modern flair. A player who values loyalty as much as legacy.
And when the 2025-26 season tips off, the Tigers won’t just be playing for wins. They’ll be playing for something bigger. For a dream. For a statement. For Jahki.
Because in the end, it’s not just about staying. It’s about staying true—to your team, your school, and yourself.
And for Jahki Howard, that’s exactly what this decision represents.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said.
And with that, Auburn’s future was rewritten—one powerful word at a time.