Auburn basketball is entering the 2025–26 season with a revamped roster, thanks to head coach Bruce Pearl’s strategic moves in the transfer portal.
After a season that saw the Tigers clinch the SEC Tournament title but exit early in the NCAA Tournament, Pearl has brought in a mix of experienced transfers and promising newcomers to bolster the team’s prospects. Let’s take a look at the transfers and how they stack up.
Which One of Auburn’s Former and Recent Transfer Portal Pickups Will Make the Biggest Impact in 2025-26?
G Miles Kelly, Georgia Tech
A proven scorer, Miles Kelly averaged 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game during his final season at Georgia Tech. His debut last season with the Tigers was nothing if not spectacular, as he scored 21 points, seven three-pointers against Vermont.
He nailed a game-winner at Tennessee and went off for 30 at Kentucky. Kelly just has that big-game feel. Now stepping into his second season in Auburn, he looks like he’ll step up and be Auburn’s go-to guy in clutch situations.
G JP Pegues, Furman
Auburn needed backcourt experience, and Pegues brings exactly that. In his final season at Furman, he averaged 11.9 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game.
Auburn gets leadership and versatility, a guard who can play both guard positions, a plus when trying to absorb new talent into a system.
G Keyshawn Hall, UCF
Keyshawn Hall did not officially earn Second-Team All-Big 12 honors, but he went off at UCF this last year with a 2024–25 season, averaging 18.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He was also the reason for standout moments from a 23-point performance in a Big 12 Tournament win over Utah.
The 6’7 235-pound wing provides size and scoring ability. His experience through multiple programs should be a steadying presence for the Tigers, and Pearl will count on that.
F Chaney Johnson, Alabama-Huntsville
A 6’7″ forward known for his athleticism and work ethic, Chaney Johnson comes from Division II Alabama-Huntsville (UAH). He’s 6’7″, versatile player and praised by coach Pearl for being able to play different positions and help on offense.
In the 2024–25 season at Auburn, he averaged 9.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Johnson is expected to compete for significant minutes and potentially challenge for a starting role.
F Sebastian Williams-Adams, Incoming Freshman
While it doesn’t count as an official transfer, but worth a shoutout, Sebastian Williams-Adams stands at 6’8″ as a freshman and demonstrates explosive movement and remarkable defensive potential. During the Nike EYBL circuit, he averaged 14.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
His strong defensive abilities and long body suggest he can develop quickly as one of his position’s best defenders. He may not be the breakout guy this year, but he is definitely one to keep an eye on.
RELATED: Auburn’s Roster Overhaul as Bruce Pearl Brings in 10 Players From the Transfer Portal
Auburn’s new transfers bring experience, depth, and serious upside. Miles Kelly looks like the early favorite to break out, but others like Pegues and Hall could shine too. If this group clicks, Bruce Pearl’s squad will be in the mix for another big season.
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