Auburn’s Ambitious March Madness Run: The Tigers Are Keen to Participate in More Than One Game This Year

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness, promises to be an exhilarating journey, and the Auburn Tigers are positioning themselves as one of the premier teams to watch this year. For Auburn, their ambitions stretch far beyond simply participating in one game—this is a team with the aspiration to make a deep run into the tournament, potentially all the way to a national championship. As the tournament begins, Auburn stands tall as a high contender, but they are keen to prove their mettle in multiple rounds and solidify their status as a powerhouse in college basketball.

Auburn’s goal of playing more than one game in March Madness is rooted in a season that has been nothing short of spectacular. As the No. 1 seed in the South Region and one of the best teams in the country, the Tigers are poised to make a major impact, but their journey to glory will be anything but easy. March Madness is known for its unpredictability and its ability to deliver shocking upsets, and while Auburn enters the tournament with high hopes, they must be prepared for the challenges ahead.

This in-depth exploration of Auburn’s March Madness aspirations will cover the team’s strengths, key players, coaching dynamics, and the path they must take to achieve their goal of making a deep run in the tournament.

Auburn’s Strong Season and No. 1 Seed

Auburn’s dominant season has culminated in the program earning the coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a remarkable achievement that underscores how far this team has come under head coach Bruce Pearl’s leadership. The Tigers’ journey to the top has been defined by a blend of impressive victories, individual standout performances, and a balanced style of play that combines offensive explosiveness with defensive dominance.

Auburn’s 2025 season record of 31-2 was a testament to their consistency and resilience. They entered the NCAA Tournament with a solid resume, having dominated the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and proven their ability to compete against top-tier teams. Their offensive and defensive metrics place them among the best in the nation, and their combination of skilled players and high basketball IQ sets them apart as a legitimate contender for the national championship.

Key Statistics for Auburn

Record: 31-2 (overall), 16-2 (SEC)
KenPom Ranking: 1st
Offensive Efficiency: 10th in the nation
Defensive Efficiency: 4th in the nation
Points Per Game: 79.3
Points Allowed Per Game: 62.1

As the No. 1 seed, Auburn enters March Madness as one of the most well-rounded teams in the field. Their offensive attack is led by a dynamic trio of players, while their defense is anchored by a towering presence in the paint. The Tigers’ depth and versatility make them a formidable opponent for any team, and they are ready to take on the challenge of advancing deep into the tournament.

The Key Players for Auburn

Auburn’s success in the NCAA Tournament will be driven by the performance of several key players who have carried the team all season long. These individuals are poised to shine on the national stage and lead their team toward multiple wins in March Madness.

Jabari Smith – The Star Forward

At the heart of Auburn’s team is Jabari Smith, a 6’10” forward who has established himself as one of the top players in college basketball. Smith is a rare talent who combines size, skill, and athleticism, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He has been Auburn’s leading scorer all season, averaging 18.7 points per game, along with 9.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor—whether it’s from beyond the arc, in the post, or off the dribble—makes him one of the most versatile players in the nation.

Smith’s performance in March Madness will be pivotal for Auburn’s success. If he can continue to dominate offensively while providing elite defense, there’s no question that the Tigers will have a strong chance to make a deep run. Smith is one of the few players in the country capable of taking over a game and putting the team on his back when the stakes are highest.

Wendell Green Jr. – The Floor General

Another player to keep an eye on is Wendell Green Jr., Auburn’s explosive point guard. Green has been the driving force behind the Tigers’ offense, averaging 5.6 assists per game and being an integral part of their ball movement. Green is capable of breaking down defenses with his quickness, and his court vision allows him to create open opportunities for his teammates. His ability to make clutch shots and orchestrate Auburn’s offense will be crucial as the Tigers face off against some of the best defenses in the country during the tournament.

K.D. Johnson – The Spark Plug

K.D. Johnson is another player who has been instrumental in Auburn’s success this season. Known for his fiery competitiveness and ability to take over games in spurts, Johnson provides a dynamic scoring option off the bench. Whether he’s attacking the rim or shooting from the perimeter, Johnson’s offensive prowess adds another layer of depth to Auburn’s already dangerous attack. Additionally, his tenacious defense and high energy make him an invaluable asset for Auburn in the tournament, where every possession matters.

Walker Kessler – The Defensive Anchor

In addition to their offensive firepower, Auburn boasts one of the most dominant defensive players in college basketball in Walker Kessler. The 7-foot center has been an absolute force in the paint, averaging over 3.5 blocks per game. Kessler’s shot-blocking ability not only stifles opponents’ scoring opportunities, but it also provides Auburn with the ability to push the ball in transition after a block or rebound. His presence on both ends of the floor will be critical in ensuring that Auburn can continue to shut down opponents’ offensive schemes, especially in high-pressure tournament games.

Bruce Pearl’s Coaching and Leadership

Auburn’s success in the NCAA Tournament will not only be determined by its players, but also by the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl. Since taking over as head coach in 2014, Pearl has transformed Auburn basketball into a national contender, and his coaching philosophy has helped the Tigers become one of the most successful programs in the SEC.

Pearl is known for his high-energy coaching style and his ability to inspire his players to perform at their best in big moments. His experience in the NCAA Tournament, including a memorable Final Four run in 2019, gives him the expertise needed to navigate the pressure and intensity of March Madness. Pearl has a knack for getting the most out of his players, and his ability to adapt and make adjustments during games will be key as Auburn looks to advance through multiple rounds of the tournament.

Auburn’s Path to a Deep Tournament Run

Auburn enters the tournament with high expectations, and their goal is clear: to participate in more than just one game. They have the talent, coaching, and experience to go deep into the tournament, but their road will not be easy. As the No. 1 seed, they will face a series of challenges and potential upsets from lower-seeded teams looking to make their own mark in March Madness.

The Importance of the First Few Rounds

The Round of 64 and Round of 32 will be crucial for Auburn. While they are heavily favored to win their first-round game, their real challenge will come in the later rounds as they face increasingly tougher competition. It is imperative for Auburn to avoid any early-round hiccups and maintain their focus as they move through the tournament.

The Tigers must also be prepared for the emotional and physical toll that March Madness can take. Playing multiple games in a short period of time requires depth and resilience, and Auburn’s bench depth will be tested as they look to keep players fresh while staying focused on the ultimate goal.

Potential Challenges in the Sweet 16 and Beyond

As the No. 1 seed, Auburn will face some of the best teams in the nation in the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and beyond. If they are fortunate enough to make it that far, they will likely face powerhouse programs with their own championship aspirations. Auburn must be prepared for intense, high-stakes matchups and have the mental toughness to thrive under pressure.

Teams like Duke, Kansas, and Gonzaga will present formidable challenges, and Auburn must be able to execute both offensively and defensively to keep up with these elite programs. Additionally, the unpredictability of March Madness means that Auburn must be ready for the unexpected, whether it’s an underdog team rising to the occasion or a star player from another team having a breakout performance.

Auburn’s Keys to Success in March Madness

For Auburn to achieve their goal of participating in more than one game and making a deep tournament run, several key factors will determine their fate:

Maintaining Defensive Consistency: Auburn’s defense is one of the best in the nation, and it will be essential for the Tigers to continue to dominate on that end of the floor. Walker Kessler’s shot-blocking, combined with the team’s perimeter defense and rebounding, will need to remain sharp throughout the tournament.
Jabari Smith’s Performance: As Auburn’s star player, Jabari Smith will be expected to lead the team on both ends of the floor. His ability to score efficiently, rebound, and provide defensive versatility will be critical to Auburn’s success in each round of the tournament.
Tightening Up the Turnovers: One area Auburn can improve on is their ball security. In high-stakes games, turnovers can be costly, so Auburn will need to take care of the basketball and limit their mistakes to ensure they don’t give away easy scoring opportunities to their opponents.
Depth and Rotation: Auburn has one of the deepest rosters in the tournament, and their ability to rotate players and keep everyone fresh will be a huge advantage. Players like K.D. Johnson and Wendell Green Jr. will need to step up in important moments, and the bench will play a significant role as the Tigers navigate the tournament.

How to Watch Auburn in the Tournament

Fans across the country will be eager to watch Auburn’s tournament run. Here are the details for how to catch the Tigers in action:

Date: March 2025 (exact schedule TBD)
TV Coverage: CBS, TNT, TBS, TruTV
Streaming: NCAA March Madness Live, CBS Sports App