Following Auburn’s NIT championship run in Indianapolis, the roster has undergone a dramatic transformation. Although several players who were expected to be key pieces in Steven Pearl’s rotation next season such as Sebastian Williams-Adams, Filip Jovic, Kaden Magwood, and Elyjah Freeman have departed, a few important contributors, notably Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton, have announced they will return to the Plains.
Even with the transfer portal closing on Tuesday for players seeking to leave, Pearl and his staff may continue to shape the 2026-27 roster. Below is an updated breakdown of who is staying, leaving, and joining Auburn, along with a projected starting five.
Projected starting lineup
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Tahaad Pettiford (15.4 PPG, 3.8 APG, 3.0 RPG) – Though his sophomore season fell short of expectations, Pettiford still flashed the talent that earned him preseason All-SEC honors. He finished strong with 28 points in the SEC Tournament loss to Tennessee and 24 points in the NIT title game against Tulsa.
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Kevin Overton (14.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.3 APG) – Overton caught fire late, scoring 20+ points in seven of Auburn’s final 11 games, including 26 in the NIT championship win over Tulsa. He’ll be a central figure in Pearl’s offense next season.
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Thomas Dowd (transfer from Troy) – The Sun Belt Tournament MVP posted a double-double average of 14.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. At 6-foot-8, he adds size at forward.
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Bukky Oboye (transfer from Santa Clara) – Standing 7-foot-1, Oboye gives Pearl the dominant interior presence he’s been lacking. Last season for the Broncos, he averaged 7.9 points and 4.1 rebounds.
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Adam Olsen (transfer from South Alabama) – Another big body at 6-foot-8, the British Columbia native put up 16.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Jaguars.
Returners
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Blake Muschalek (0.6 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.2 APG) – Not a major scorer, but a hustle-and-defense player who can provide quality minutes.
Incoming transfers
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Owen Freeman (from Creighton) – “Owen brings a unique and valuable skill set,” Pearl said. “He’s one of the most polished post players in the country his footwork, touch, and ability to score over either shoulder stand out. He doesn’t rely on size alone; he understands how to play, counter, and be a true go-to option on the block.”
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George Kimble III (from Eastern Kentucky) Kimble missed all of last season due to injury, but in 2024-25 he averaged 18 PPG for EKU.
Signees
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Narcisse Ngoy A 7-foot import from France who remains a work in progress, though his shot-making and rebounding should be assets.
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Caleb Williams A 6-foot-5, three-star shooting guard from Specially Fit Academy in Tampa, expected to see floor time.
Departures
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Sebastian Williams-Adams – Transferred to Vanderbilt
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Emeke Opurum – Still in portal
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Elyjah Freeman – Transferred to Texas
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Abdul Bashir – Still in portal
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Filip Jovic – Transferred to UCLA
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Kaden Magwood – Still in portal
Graduated
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Keyshaun Hall
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KeShawn Murphy
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