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NO BREAKING NEWS: Excitement Fills Jordan-Hare Stadium as Chad Baker-Mazara, the Last of Auburn’s Starting Five, Announces Return for 2025–26 Season
AUBURN, Ala. — Jordan-Hare Stadium erupted in a roar not from a touchdown, but from a declaration. Chad Baker-Mazara, the lone remaining member of Auburn’s starting five, stood at midfield during the Tigers’ spring football game and dropped the kind of news that sent shockwaves through Auburn Nation — “I’m not going anywhere.”
For weeks, speculation ran rampant. Would Baker-Mazara test the NBA Draft waters? Would he enter the transfer portal for a fresh opportunity elsewhere? Would Auburn lose its final starting piece from last year’s dynamic run? On Saturday afternoon, those questions were put to bed. Chad Baker-Mazara, 25, isn’t just staying. He’s doubling down on Auburn.
And head coach Bruce Pearl couldn’t be happier.
“We’re building something special here, and Chad is the heart of it,” Pearl said. “He’s a leader, a competitor, and now, he’s officially the cornerstone of our 2025–26 team. I’ve promised to make him — and I will.”
In today’s era of collegiate athletics, where the transfer portal often spins like a roulette wheel and draft declarations are routine, a player of Baker-Mazara’s stature choosing to return is almost revolutionary.
The 6-foot-7 guard averaged 15.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game during the 2024–25 season, establishing himself as one of the Tigers’ most versatile and consistent threats on both ends of the court. His return makes a bold statement: that loyalty, unfinished business, and love for a program can still outweigh fame, fortune, or fleeting opportunities.
“This place has given me everything,” Baker-Mazara told reporters following his announcement. “Coach Pearl believed in me when others didn’t. The fans embraced me. And my teammates became my family. I owe it to all of them — and myself — to finish what we started.”
Baker-Mazara’s road to Auburn wasn’t a straight shot. Born in the Dominican Republic, raised in the U.S., and having previously played for several programs — including Duquesne and San Diego State — Baker-Mazara arrived on The Plains as a talented but somewhat unheralded transfer.
That changed fast.
Under Pearl’s system, which favors high-octane offense and tough, physical defense, Baker-Mazara thrived. He emerged not just as a top scorer, but also as a glue guy — someone who did the dirty work, who dived for loose balls, and who routinely drew the toughest defensive assignments.
His confidence, fueled by Pearl’s trust, turned into leadership. He mentored younger players, challenged veterans, and became the locker room’s emotional anchor during the Tigers’ postseason push.
Auburn fans have watched, one by one, as last season’s starting five made their exits.
- Johni Broome, the All-SEC center, declared for the NBA Draft.
- Tre Donaldson, the floor general, opted to transfer.
- Denver Jones took his talents overseas for a professional opportunity.
- Jaylin Williams, after five years, moved on to the next chapter of his life.
That left Baker-Mazara as the final domino. His choice to stay, therefore, carries enormous implications — not only from a roster perspective, but also from a symbolic one. It signifies continuity. It signifies belief. And most of all, it signifies hope.
“He’s the bridge between what we were and what we’re becoming,” said assistant coach Steven Pearl. “Having him back means everything for our culture.”
In front of nearly 65,000 fans at Jordan-Hare, Baker-Mazara’s words echoed like a rallying cry.
“I see what we’re building. I see the young guys, the transfers coming in. I see the vision. And I want to be a part of that — not just as a player, but as a leader.”
Within hours, social media exploded. Former players, fans, media outlets, and even NBA scouts weighed in on the impact of his return. Auburn Basketball’s official account simply posted a mic drop emoji with his quote.
“I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE.”
— @AuburnMBB
The moment wasn’t just theatrical. It was galvanizing. A player choosing to stay is rare enough. A player announcing it at the heart of the university’s football cathedral? That was cinematic.
In his post-spring game presser, Bruce Pearl couldn’t stop smiling. Known for his passionate sideline demeanor and emotional connection with his players, Pearl has long called Baker-Mazara a “coach’s dream.”
Now, he’s doubling down on that sentiment — and raising the stakes.
“I’ve promised to make him. He’s earned the right to lead this program and carry our standard forward. He’s already one of the most talented players in the SEC. By the end of next year, the entire country will know his name.”
Pearl emphasized Baker-Mazara’s professional aspirations and promised to showcase him in a way that mirrors the style and spacing of today’s NBA.
“He’s a matchup nightmare — he can guard 1 through 4, shoot the three, run in transition, and attack the rim. We’re going to give him the keys.”
While Baker-Mazara’s return instantly elevates Auburn’s ceiling on the court, it’s off the court where his impact may be most profound. With a host of new faces — including incoming freshmen and transfers — the team will need leadership and guidance.
And that’s where Chad shines.
Freshman guard KJ White, who’s already enrolled early, said Baker-Mazara has “taken him under his wing” and called him “a big brother” on the court and in the weight room.
“He’s always talking to us, always showing us little tricks — how to guard pick-and-roll, how to move off the ball. He’s got that vet mindset. He makes you better just being around him,” White said.
With his decision to stay, Baker-Mazara is expected to be named team captain and will serve as the face of the program heading into next season.
Auburn has quietly become a basketball powerhouse under Bruce Pearl, and the return of Baker-Mazara is only going to elevate their national perception.
The Tigers are fresh off a Sweet Sixteen appearance, are in the running for several top-tier transfer prospects, and boast a recruiting class ranked top-10 nationally.
With Baker-Mazara anchoring the lineup, expectations will be high. Auburn will likely start the 2025–26 season ranked in the top 15 and may emerge as a dark horse Final Four contender.
“We’ve got the pieces,” Baker-Mazara said. “Now it’s about putting them together and going to war every night. I’m here for it. Auburn’s not done.”
In a sports world obsessed with breaking news, Chad Baker-Mazara delivered something even more powerful — a decision that didn’t break news, but built a legacy.
He didn’t leave. He didn’t waver. He stayed.
And for Auburn fans, that’s not just good news — it’s a reminder of what college basketball can still be: passionate, grounded, and rooted in something deeper than a stat line.
As Bruce Pearl often says, “It means more at Auburn.”
Now, with Chad Baker-Mazara leading the charge, it’s clear the Tigers aren’t rebuilding — they’re reloading.
And the whole country better be ready.
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