“Four Auburn Tigers Appear on ESPN’s Final Transfer Portal Ranking”:
Title: Four Auburn Tigers Appear on ESPN’s Final Transfer Portal Ranking
By [Your Name]
The transfer portal has become one of the most powerful tools in modern college athletics—equal parts a lifeline, a risk, and a game-changer. As the 2025 college basketball offseason unfolds, Auburn Tigers fans have found themselves at the heart of the action. ESPN recently released its final rankings of players in the 2025 transfer portal, and four Auburn Tigers made the cut, sending waves of anticipation and speculation across the SEC and beyond.
These players—each of whom played vital roles during Auburn’s deep NCAA Tournament run—are now primed to test their value on a national level. The rankings are not just a list of names, but a clear signal of Auburn’s transformation into one of the premier talent developers in the country. Let’s break down who these four players are, why they matter, and what their next steps could mean for the Tigers.
When Chad Baker-Mazara declared his intentions to explore the transfer portal, it didn’t take long for his name to shoot up ESPN’s rankings. After averaging 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game during Auburn’s 2024–25 campaign, Baker-Mazara proved to be one of the most dynamic wing players in the country.
What sets him apart isn’t just the stats—it’s how he fills the stat sheet. Known for his silky-smooth three-point shot and on-ball defensive prowess, Baker-Mazara was often Auburn’s most reliable player in clutch moments. His late-game heroics against Alabama and his leadership during the SEC Tournament did not go unnoticed by scouts.
Interestingly, despite his presence in the portal and high ranking, Baker-Mazara recently announced he will be returning to Auburn for his final year. That decision has made waves and speaks volumes about Bruce Pearl’s culture.
“I have unfinished business here,” Baker-Mazara said in a statement. “We were close last year. Next year, we’re going all the way.”
With Baker-Mazara’s return now official, Auburn retains a top-tier scorer with national exposure—an invaluable piece for a team expected to start the season in the top five.
Jones, a transfer from FIU who blossomed into a key contributor for the Tigers, used his lone season at Auburn to show he belonged in the Power Five spotlight. ESPN’s ranking places him firmly inside the top 20, and it’s easy to see why.
He averaged 11.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 39.2% from beyond the arc. His quick release and crafty footwork allowed him to be both a catch-and-shoot threat and a secondary ball handler—something Bruce Pearl utilized to perfection when Auburn ran two-guard sets.
Despite his strong season, Jones entered the transfer portal citing “a desire for a larger role.” Rumors have linked him to a handful of top programs, including Arizona, Texas, and Miami.
Jones has yet to announce his final destination, but his high ranking in ESPN’s transfer portal list all but guarantees he’ll find a place where he can be a featured offensive weapon. His exit does leave a hole in Auburn’s second unit, but given Pearl’s portal prowess, a replacement is likely already in the works.
Tre Donaldson, the feisty point guard known for his tenacity, vision, and high basketball IQ, was a beloved figure among the Auburn faithful. His decision to enter the portal surprised many, particularly given his steady improvement each year and his leadership role on and off the court.
Donaldson averaged 8.8 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 45% from the field. While he wasn’t Auburn’s flashiest player, he was often its most dependable, running the offense with poise and taking on challenging defensive assignments without hesitation.
According to ESPN’s analysis, Donaldson projects as an instant-impact starter for a high-major program. Multiple sources have linked him to Big Ten and Big East teams, though no final decision has been made.
His departure will hurt, especially considering Auburn now has to fill a void at the point guard position. However, it also offers an opportunity for younger players—like incoming freshman Caleb Richmond or returning combo guard Aden Holloway—to step up and seize the moment.
Broome averaged 16.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during the 2024–25 season. His post footwork, ability to finish through contact, and improved midrange game made him one of the most complete big men in college basketball.
What’s unusual is that despite being a projected late-second round pick in the NBA Draft, Broome opted to keep his collegiate options open—potentially leveraging NIL opportunities for one more year of high-level basketball.
If Broome returns to college, Auburn is considered a favorite to bring him back. But the allure of big-market schools like Kentucky, North Carolina, and Kansas could complicate matters. Regardless of where he lands, his talent guarantees that he will continue to be a dominant force in the post.
Bruce Pearl has made it clear over the years—Auburn is not just a basketball school, but a destination for elite talent development. That four Auburn players appear on ESPN’s final transfer portal rankings is no accident. It’s the result of a program that embraces the new era of college athletics, where player movement is expected, and talent development is essential.
More importantly, Auburn’s presence on this list speaks to the balance Pearl has maintained between recruiting top high school prospects and nurturing transfers into stars. Whether it’s players like Walker Kessler, KD Johnson, or now Baker-Mazara, Auburn has routinely helped transfers elevate their games.
As Pearl put it during a recent interview on SEC Network:
“The portal giveth, and the portal taketh away. What matters is how well you prepare for both.”
The 2025–26 Auburn roster is far from finalized, and with the portal deadline looming, decisions from Donaldson, Jones, and Broome will go a long way in determining the Tigers’ ceiling next year. But regardless of who stays or goes, Auburn has proven itself capable of adapting on the fly.
Baker-Mazara’s return is a massive win. The incoming freshman class—headlined by five-star center Parker Jefferson and top-20 wing Jahki Howard—adds even more firepower. If Auburn can secure one or two key transfers (perhaps a veteran point guard or a stretch forward), they’ll be right back in the national title hunt.
Auburn fans should take pride in the fact that their program has become a springboard for success. Whether these players return or find new homes, their high rankings are a testament to the Tigers’ coaching, culture, and commitment to excellence.
As the dust settles on the transfer portal chaos, one thing remains clear—Auburn basketball is no longer chasing the top. They’re among the elite.