The landscape of NCAA athletics is evolving, providing athletes with fresh opportunities to extend their collegiate careers. One player who stands to benefit from these changes is Auburn’s standout guard, Chad Baker-Mazara. As questions swirl about his future, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl recently provided insight into the possibility of Baker-Mazara returning for another season.
Chad Baker-Mazara’s Eligibility: A Potential Game-Changer for Auburn
If eligibility rules work in his favor, Auburn could have a key piece back on the roster for the 2025–26 campaign. Chad Baker-Mazara has been a dynamic presence for Auburn, bringing both skill and energy to the court.
Under a recent NCAA ruling, athletes who previously competed at the junior college level may now have the opportunity to extend their NCAA eligibility. This has allowed them to play four full seasons. This development has sparked speculation about Baker-Mazara’s potential return to the Tigers, and Bruce Pearl addressed the situation directly.
“I don’t mind even talking about this without any kind of appeal: Chad Baker (Mazara) has another year of eligibility,” Pearl stated on Friday.
Bruce Pearl: “Chad Baker-Mazara has another year of eligibility. … Chad is the one that right now, qualifies (for another year). I could see him playing (some point) next year, too.”
— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) March 7, 2025
“He does because he fits all the criteria. Some of the other guys that have been talked about, I’m not going to specifically reference, but Chad is the one that right now qualifies.”
The ruling stems from the precedent set by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in December. Pavia argued that his two seasons at the junior college level should not count against his NCAA eligibility.
Particularly given the growing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreements on college athletes. The Nashville Tennessean reported that Pavia successfully secured an injunction, effectively granting players in similar situations — like Baker-Mazara — the ability to compete for an additional season while the legal proceedings remain ongoing.
The Impact on Auburn’s Future
Baker-Mazara’s return would be a significant boost for Auburn’s roster. His skill set and experience would provide depth, leadership, and a scoring threat that could help the Tigers remain competitive in the SEC.
Given how much he has contributed to Auburn’s success, having him for another year would give the team added stability as it navigates the challenges of another season.
While the NCAA could potentially reverse course on the eligibility ruling, the current legal standing favors Baker-Mazara.
Should he choose to return for the 2025–26 season, Auburn would not be at risk of vacating any wins he participated in due to the NCAA’s “Rule of Restitution.” It protects schools from retroactive penalties when an athlete competes under an eligibility ruling that was in place at the time.
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For now, Auburn fans and college basketball enthusiasts alike will have to wait for a final resolution. But if the ruling stands, Baker-Mazara could make an impactful return, adding another layer of excitement to Auburn’s future.
Whether he takes the court for one more season remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there for Auburn to benefit from this unprecedented NCAA eligibility shift.
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