In a major development that could significantly alter the trajectory of Auburn basketball heading into the 2025-26 season, former Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy has officially committed to the Tigers. The decision, first reported Thursday morning, sends one of the SEC’s most intriguing stretch forwards to an in-conference rival, setting up a new chapter for both Murphy and head coach Bruce Pearl’s ever-evolving roster.
Murphy, who entered the NCAA transfer portal shortly after the conclusion of Mississippi State’s season, was among the most coveted big men available due to his blend of size, shooting ability, and untapped potential. The 6-foot-10, 225-pound forward played two seasons in Starkville but still possesses multiple years of eligibility. His decision to commit to Auburn comes after interest from several high-major programs, including Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas Tech, but in the end, it was Pearl’s vision for his role that sealed the deal.
For Auburn, Murphy’s addition is more than just another roster move—it’s a strategic acquisition at a pivotal moment for a program looking to reload and reassert itself in the upper echelon of the SEC and national college basketball. With the departure of Johni Broome to the NBA, Auburn faced a frontcourt void not only in terms of production but also identity. Murphy offers a different profile than Broome, but one that could be just as impactful.
Murphy is not a traditional low-post banger. He thrives as a pick-and-pop weapon and has shown flashes of perimeter shooting that make him a nightmare mismatch for opposing defenses. At Mississippi State, his role was sometimes inconsistent, but when given minutes, he showcased his ability to stretch the floor and crash the boards. In his sophomore season, he averaged 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in just over 16 minutes per game, while shooting a respectable 36% from three-point range. Those numbers may not jump off the page, but context is key—Mississippi State’s offense wasn’t built to feature forwards with Murphy’s skill set. At Auburn, that changes.
Bruce Pearl has long embraced versatile forwards who can shoot, handle, and defend. From Chuma Okeke to Jabari Smith Jr., and more recently Johni Broome, the Tigers have been at their best when their frontcourt players could operate inside and out. Murphy fits that mold and has the potential to be another success story in Pearl’s system. The Auburn coaching staff is already said to be drawing up ways to maximize his impact, envisioning him as a critical piece in a frontcourt that includes rising sophomore Aden Holloway and veteran stretch big Dylan Cardwell.
Murphy’s commitment also reflects a broader trend in modern college basketball—the power of the transfer portal to reshape rosters and redefine programs almost overnight. In years past, Murphy might have been forced to wait his turn or gradually find his place. But in today’s landscape, he gets a fresh start with a program that knows exactly how to use his talents and needs what he brings to the table.
The move is a win-win for both parties. For Murphy, it’s a chance to elevate his game on a bigger stage, surrounded by a system tailored to his strengths and teammates who complement his style of play. For Auburn, it’s the kind of roster boost that can turn a good team into a dangerous one. The SEC is as competitive as ever, with programs like Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee reloading with high-level talent. Auburn needs players who can make an immediate impact—and Murphy checks that box.
It’s not just what Murphy brings on the court that excites Auburn’s staff. Those close to the program point to his work ethic, basketball IQ, and coachability as traits that made him an ideal fit culturally. While at Mississippi State, Murphy was known for his professionalism and dedication, even as his minutes fluctuated. He stayed ready, kept improving, and now gets to bring that same mentality to a team that values grit as much as skill.
The timing of Murphy’s decision is also significant. Auburn is in the middle of an important offseason, one that includes not just retooling the roster but also establishing an identity for a new core of players. Murphy becomes one of the cornerstones of that rebuild, giving Auburn a versatile big who can shoot, space the floor, and even switch defensively. He’s not just a piece—he’s a foundational one.
Fans have every reason to be excited. In today’s college game, having a forward who can knock down threes, defend multiple positions, and rebound at a high level is a luxury. For Auburn, it’s a necessity, especially in a conference as brutal and fast-paced as the SEC. Murphy’s arrival signals that the Tigers are not backing down—they’re adapting, evolving, and preparing to make another run at postseason glory.
Expectations will now follow. With Murphy’s talent comes pressure, and the Auburn faithful will be watching closely to see how he integrates with the team. But early indications suggest he’s already embracing the challenge. In a statement following his commitment, Murphy expressed his excitement to join the Auburn family and his determination to help the team compete for championships.
“I chose Auburn because it felt like home,” Murphy said. “Coach Pearl believes in me, and I believe in what this program is building. I can’t wait to get to work.”
That sentiment is shared by Pearl, who has built a reputation not only as a recruiter but as a developer of talent. He sees Murphy as a player whose best basketball is still ahead of him—and plans to help him unlock it. “KeShawn brings a skill set that we value tremendously,” Pearl said. “He can shoot, he can move, and he wants to get better. That’s all we need. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Auburn.”
Murphy’s journey from Birmingham to Starkville and now to Auburn is one that reflects the modern landscape of the sport. Recruited out of Ramsay High School in Alabama, he was a standout prospect who turned heads with his shooting touch and versatility. At Mississippi State, he flashed that potential but never quite became a focal point. At Auburn, he’ll have that chance—and it could be the launching pad for something special.
This is also a move that adds fuel to the fire in one of the SEC’s most underrated rivalries. Mississippi State and Auburn may not have the same animosity as other in-conference foes, but the addition of a Bulldog-turned-Tiger will certainly spice up future meetings. It’s another subplot in what’s shaping up to be a fascinating SEC basketball season, with more player movement and storylines than ever before.
Murphy’s commitment is also a reminder of just how much talent remains in the portal—and how aggressive programs must be to stay competitive. Auburn wasted no time, reaching out to Murphy immediately and making it clear he was a priority. That persistence paid off, and now Auburn has one of the most skilled forwards in the portal on their roster.
As the dust settles on this commitment, attention will turn to what’s next. Auburn is still active in the portal and could add more pieces before the summer. But with Murphy in the fold, they’ve already landed one of their biggest fish. The focus now shifts to integration, development, and building the kind of chemistry that can carry the Tigers deep into March.
If Murphy can deliver on his promise—and Pearl’s system allows him to flourish—this could go down as one of the most important additions of the offseason, not just for Auburn, but across the SEC. A player with his blend of size, skill, and potential doesn’t come around often, and when they do, it’s imperative to maximize their window. Auburn has that window now, and they’re ready to make the most of it.
So as KeShawn Murphy trades maroon for navy and orange, and as he prepares to suit up at Neville Arena for the first time, a new era begins. For Murphy, it’s a fresh start. For Auburn, it’s a statement. The Tigers aren’t just reloading—they’re reimagining what’s possible. And with Murphy leading the charge, the future looks as bright as ever.