The Auburn Tigers have cemented their place in NCAA basketball history with two Final Four appearances, in 2019 and 2025. These remarkable achievements have transformed Auburn from an under-the-radar program into a powerhouse in college basketball. This article takes an in-depth look at Auburn’s journey to the Final Four, highlighting their historic 2019 and 2025 seasons, key players, and the legacy of head coach Bruce Pearl.
Auburn’s Road to the 2019 Final Four
Before 2019, Auburn had never reached the Final Four. While the program had enjoyed sporadic success over the years, including SEC championships and NCAA tournament appearances, they had never broken through to the game’s biggest stage. However, the 2018–19 season changed everything.
Regular Season Success and SEC Tournament Run
The Tigers entered the season with high expectations under head coach Bruce Pearl. They finished the regular season with a 30–10 record and secured the SEC Tournament championship, giving them momentum heading into March Madness. Auburn’s fast-paced, three-point-heavy offense was one of the most exciting in the nation, led by stars such as Jared Harper, Bryce Brown, and Chuma Okeke.
NCAA Tournament Journey
Auburn’s run to the Final Four was nothing short of spectacular. As a No. 5 seed, they faced a challenging path:
- First Round: Defeated New Mexico State in a nail-biting 78–77 victory, escaping after the Aggies missed a last-second shot.
- Second Round: Dominated Kansas 89–75, showcasing their three-point shooting ability.
- Sweet 16: Took down No. 1 seed North Carolina in an emphatic 97–80 win.
- Elite Eight: Defeated SEC rival Kentucky in an overtime thriller, 77–71, securing their first-ever Final Four appearance.
The win over Kentucky was especially emotional, as Auburn played without star forward Chuma Okeke, who suffered a torn ACL in the Sweet 16.
The Final Four Showdown with Virginia
In the national semifinal, Auburn faced Virginia, the tournament’s top overall seed. In a dramatic game, the Tigers led in the closing seconds, but a controversial foul call on Auburn allowed Virginia’s Kyle Guy to sink three free throws with 0.6 seconds left. The Tigers lost 63–62 in heartbreaking fashion. Despite the loss, Auburn’s 2019 team had forever changed the program’s trajectory.
Auburn’s Road to the 2025 Final Four
Six years after their first Final Four, Auburn returned to college basketball’s biggest stage in 2025. By this time, Bruce Pearl had firmly established Auburn as a national contender, regularly competing at the top of the SEC and securing top-tier recruits.
Regular Season Dominance
Auburn entered the 2024–25 season with one of the most talented rosters in the nation. Led by star forward Johni Broome, the Tigers finished the season with a dominant record, capturing the SEC regular season and tournament titles. Broome’s versatility, combined with a deep supporting cast, made Auburn a formidable opponent.
NCAA Tournament Journey
The Tigers entered March Madness as a No. 1 seed, a testament to their outstanding season. Their path to the Final Four included:
- First Round: Easily defeated Alabama State 83–63.
- Second Round: Took down Creighton 82–70 in a controlled performance.
- Sweet 16: Handled Michigan 78–65, with Broome leading the way.
- Elite Eight: Battled past Michigan State 70–64, with Broome scoring 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
With their Elite Eight win, Auburn secured their second Final Four berth under Bruce Pearl.
Looking Ahead to the Final Four
Auburn is set to face Florida in the national semifinals, ensuring that an SEC team will play for the championship. The Tigers’ experience, especially from their 2019 Final Four appearance, could be an advantage as they chase their first-ever national title.
The Legacy of Bruce Pearl and Auburn Basketball
Bruce Pearl’s impact on Auburn basketball cannot be overstated. Before his arrival, Auburn had limited national success. However, Pearl has turned the Tigers into an SEC powerhouse, consistently competing for championships. His ability to recruit elite talent, develop players, and implement a high-energy system has made Auburn one of the most exciting teams in college basketball.
Comparing the 2019 and 2025 Teams
While both Auburn Final Four teams share similarities, there are key differences:
- 2019 Team: Relied heavily on three-point shooting and guard play, with Bryce Brown and Jared Harper leading the charge.
- 2025 Team: More balanced, with a dominant post presence in Johni Broome, complemented by strong perimeter players.
Despite these differences, both teams shared a relentless work ethic and commitment to Bruce Pearl’s system.