Charamba Posts Nation’s Leading Time as Nine Tigers Advance to NCAA Outdoors
In a dazzling display of athleticism and preparation, Auburn University’s track and field team proved once again why they’re among the elite programs in the country. The Tigers had an outstanding performance at the NCAA East Preliminary Rounds this past week, with a total of nine student-athletes punching their ticket to the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Headlining the standout performances was Zimbabwean sprinter Tapiwa Charamba, who blazed the track with the fastest 200-meter time in the nation this season, solidifying himself as a true contender for the NCAA title.
Charamba’s jaw-dropping performance, alongside a slew of other Tiger standouts, not only highlighted Auburn’s rising dominance in collegiate track and field but also set the stage for what could be one of the most successful NCAA Outdoor Championships in school history
When Tapiwa Charamba lined up for his 200-meter heat in Jacksonville, Florida, there was buzz around the stadium. The sophomore, already well-regarded in SEC circles, had steadily improved throughout the season. But nobody could have predicted what was coming.
Charamba exploded out of the blocks and never looked back, clocking a mind-bending 19.77 seconds, the fastest time in the NCAA this season, and a new school record for Auburn. His time not only led all qualifiers from the East Regional but also ranked among the top 10 fastest times in NCAA history, putting him in elite company with past legends like Walter Dix, Christian Coleman, and Noah Lyles.
“To be honest, I just ran my race,” Charamba said modestly after the heat. “Coach told me to stay relaxed, execute, and the time would come. I didn’t know it was that fast until I looked at the board. I’m just thankful.”
Auburn sprints coach Ken Harnden was beaming after the race.
“This kid is special,” Harnden said. “We knew he had it in him. His work ethic, his mindset, his competitiveness—it’s all elite. He just put it all together today, and this is just the beginning.”
While Charamba stole the headlines, Auburn’s overall showing was nothing short of dominant. In total, nine Tigers across multiple disciplines advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships, showcasing the program’s depth, versatility, and coaching strength.
Here’s a breakdown of Auburn’s national qualifiers
- Event Preview: Continues her strong sophomore season and could surprise the field in Eugene.
- Event Preview: Consistent all season, has the potential to podium with a clean series.
- Event Preview: Auburn’s fastest relay team in over a decade, serious national title potential
- Event Preview: Quietly climbed the rankings all season, top-eight finish very realistic.
What’s fueling this wave of Auburn success? Many point to head coach Leroy Burrell, who took over the Tigers program with a long-term vision: develop world-class talent, recruit relentlessly, and establish Auburn as a national powerhouse. The former Olympian and NCAA champion has quickly built a culture of excellence that’s paying dividends.
“This is just the beginning,” Burrell said post-meet. “These athletes believe in each other, they push each other, and they represent Auburn with pride. We’re heading to Eugene with the goal of scoring points in every event we’re entered in. We’re not just going—we’re going to win.”
Under Burrell’s watch, Auburn’s athletes have seen improvements in nearly every category. From technical events like the high jump and shot put to sprint relays and middle distances, the Tigers are not just qualifying—they’re competing for podium spots.
The 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, often referred to as the “mecca” of American track and field. The venue has hosted multiple Olympic Trials and World Championships, and now, Auburn’s best are ready to shine under the bright lights.
Here’s a quick outlook on what fans can expect:
- Charamba is the headline. His 200m time has made him not only the NCAA favorite but a legitimate future Olympian. A title in both the 100m and 200m would be historic.
- Wiley and Greene give Auburn two women with legitimate scoring chances in the middle distances.
- Relay medal hopes are alive with a 4x100m team that’s clicking at the right time.
- Field events could be a secret weapon, with Lofton and Bolden both positioned to outperform their seeds.
As the NCAA Championships loom, Auburn’s athletes will fine-tune their training over the next two weeks, focusing on tapering and race-specific preparation.
“We’ve done the work,” said Isaiah Mobley. “Now it’s about sharpening up, staying healthy, and trusting the process.”
With nine national qualifiers, Auburn will head to Oregon with its largest contingent in over a decade—and with a real shot at cracking the top 10 in the team standings.
Charamba’s breakout performance is already making waves on the national scene. His 19.77 has caught the attention of professional scouts and even World Athletics, putting him in conversations beyond the NCAA. While the Olympics may be a future goal, his focus for now remains clear: win for Auburn.
“It’s about the team first,” he said. “We have so many guys and girls going to Eugene. We want to show the world what Auburn is about.”
That team-first attitude is reflective of the culture that Burrell has instilled. Auburn isn’t just developing stars—they’re building a cohesive, competitive unit that could dominate the national scene for years to come.
From a world-class 200m sprint by Tapiwa Charamba to a full roster of national qualifiers, Auburn’s track and field team is heading to Eugene with momentum, swagger, and belief. They’ve already made history this season—and now they have their sights set on the biggest prize of all: NCAA glory.
If performances at the East Prelims are any indication, Auburn could leave Hayward Field with more than just All-American honors—they might just come home with national titles.
