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NO BREAKING NEWS: Excitement Fills Auburn as Jahki Howard Announces, “I’m Not Going Anywhere”
In a move that sent shockwaves of joy throughout Auburn Nation, rising Auburn Tigers basketball star Jahki Howard has made it official: he’s staying on the Plains. The electric forward declared on social media, “I’m not going anywhere,” confirming his return for the 2025–26 season.
The announcement came just days after swirling speculation that Howard might test the NBA Draft waters or enter the transfer portal amid growing interest from blue-blood programs. Instead, Howard made a bold and deliberate decision that speaks volumes about his loyalty to Auburn, his belief in Head Coach Bruce Pearl’s vision, and his unfinished business in the orange and blue.
In today’s era of college basketball, where stars often chase the next opportunity, Howard’s return is as valuable as a marquee signing. The 6-foot-6 high-flyer was one of the most electric players in the SEC last season. Known for his gravity-defying dunks, disruptive defense, and emerging offensive skill set, Howard’s presence next year solidifies Auburn as a championship contender yet again.
Fans celebrated online with a flurry of tweets, TikToks, and Instagram stories—many calling it the “best news of the offseason.” Auburn Arena—known as the Jungle—erupted in celebratory posts, and it’s safe to say season ticket renewals just got a huge boost.
When asked about Howard’s decision, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl didn’t mince words.
“Jahki is one of those rare talents who you build a program around,” Pearl said. “His return means everything to us. And I’ve promised him—we’re going to make this next year something truly special.”
Pearl also hinted at a more prominent role for Howard moving forward.
“We’re not just bringing him back. We’re building around him,” Pearl stated. “Jahki is going to be a face of Auburn basketball. He’s ready, and so are we.”
Sources close to the program say Pearl has been involved in daily conversations with Howard and his family, ensuring him that Auburn will be his best developmental pathway toward the pros, while also helping him mature as a leader.
Howard’s decision wasn’t just about basketball. Those close to him say he feels deeply connected to the Auburn community. The coaching staff, the fans, his teammates—Howard sees Auburn as home.
“Everybody around me kept asking what’s next, and I kept thinking—why do I need to leave something that’s already great?” Howard said in a recent interview. “I’ve got family here. I’ve got coaches who believe in me. And we’re not done yet.”
Howard also mentioned the city of Auburn and the university’s environment as key reasons for staying. “It’s love everywhere I go—from the student section to the corner store. That’s rare,” he added.
The continuity of coaching, player development, and the opportunity to lead Auburn to a national title are too powerful to ignore. And that’s exactly what Howard wants.
As a freshman, Howard was a spark plug off the bench, but in his sophomore year, he turned into one of Auburn’s most important players. He averaged 13.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game—often taking over games with explosive plays on both ends of the court.
Howard’s performances against Kentucky (22 points, 7 rebounds) and Tennessee (19 points, 5 steals) solidified his reputation as a two-way star. He became a fan favorite not just for his athleticism, but for his hustle, heart, and grit.
“He’s the kind of guy that sets the tone,” said assistant coach Wes Flanigan. “When Jahki’s locked in, everybody feeds off that.”
Howard’s season-high 26 points against Georgia in February was a signature moment, as he silenced a raucous away crowd and led Auburn to a comeback win that helped secure a top-three seed in the NCAA Tournament.
There’s no doubt Howard will one day hear his name called on draft night. NBA scouts have been eyeing his trajectory, and his name appeared on multiple 2026 mock draft boards before the season ended.
Still, the decision to return wasn’t purely sentimental—it also made financial sense. Thanks to Auburn’s strong NIL infrastructure, Howard is expected to earn a lucrative six-figure deal while continuing to develop under Pearl’s system.
Sources say his NIL deal is being restructured to reflect his status as a team cornerstone, and several national brands are already in early talks to partner with him in the upcoming season.
“We can do things now in college that weren’t possible a few years ago,” said an Auburn booster involved with NIL strategy. “Jahki’s decision shows that staying can be both the smart and the right move.”
Howard’s return brings stability and star power to what’s shaping up to be one of the deepest Auburn rosters in recent memory. With Chad Baker-Mazara also returning, and five-star recruit Parker Jefferson set to join the team, Auburn’s wing and frontcourt depth will be the envy of the nation.
The Tigers are expected to open the season in the top five of nearly every major poll, and with veterans and young talent blending seamlessly, the goal is clear: Final Four or bust.
“With Jahki back, our locker room just got louder, stronger, and more confident,” said teammate Tre Donaldson. “He’s a dawg, and we’re going to follow his lead.”
The Auburn faithful wasted no time celebrating Howard’s announcement. Fans flooded social media with reactions ranging from all-caps joy to photoshopped murals of Howard flying through the air in superhero capes.
Even Auburn legends chimed in. Former Tiger Charles Barkley posted, “Let’s go, Jahki! That’s what a true Tiger does. Can’t wait to watch you dominate next year.”
The energy around campus was equally vibrant, with students shouting “HE’S BACK!” across the quad and a few even calling for a campus-wide “Jahki Day.”
One student held up a sign during Auburn’s baseball game the night after the announcement: “JAHKI NATION.”
With a chip on his shoulder and an army of supporters behind him, Jahki Howard’s junior season could be legendary. Bruce Pearl is known for getting the best out of his veterans, and with a full offseason to train, tweak, and take the reins, Howard could elevate his game to All-American levels.
“You’re going to see a more polished Jahki,” Pearl said. “He’s already elite, but we’re working on his three-point shot, his ball-handling, and his ability to lead in the locker room. He wants to be great—and he will be.”
Howard’s goal? A national championship.
“We were close last year. We felt it. Now it’s time to finish what we started,” he said. “And I want to do it right here. At Auburn.”
In choosing to return to Auburn, Jahki Howard did more than just boost the Tigers’ odds of cutting down the nets next April—he carved out his legacy. In a time where college hoops is a revolving door, Howard’s loyalty, leadership, and love for the program shine as a beacon.
His decision echoes the voices of players like Jared Harper, Bryce Brown, and Isaac Okoro—guys who left it all on the floor for Auburn and etched their names into Tiger lore.
Now, it’s Howard’s time.
And he’s not going anywhere.
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