Where Auburn lands in USA TODAY's way-too-early top 25 after March Madness

[ASFN Admin]

Auburn basketball just concluded its second-ever Final Four run. Are they destined to repeat this season's success in 2025-26? USA TODAY experts are not ready to make that call.

Auburn's 32 wins this season are the most in program history, topping several great teams such as the 2018-19 Final Four team and the amazing 1998-99 team, which also claimed a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers are not expected to replicate the success of this year's squad next season, says Eddie Timanus, Paul Myerberg, and Erick Smith of USA TODAY, who have placed Auburn at No. 24 in their "way-too-early" top-25 following March Madness.

The low ranking is mostly due to the departures of stars such as Johni Broome, Denver Jones, Miles Kelly, and Dylan Cardwell, write the USA TODAY Sports experts.

It’ll be an expected step back for the Tigers after having such a senior-laden team reaching the Final Four. However, there is an opportunity for Chad Baker-Mazara and possibly Chaney Johnson to return. Getting another year from freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford would be a massive bonus. Auburn has already landed guard Keyshawn Hall of Central Florida, who led the Big 12 in scoring.

Following the departure of Jahki Howard to the transfer portal and the possible exits of Tahaad Pettiford, Chaney Johnson, and Chad Baker-Mazara, Auburn will lose over 55% of last season's roster this offseason. Auburn will be a great team to keep an eye on as the transfer portal heats up. A strong transfer portal haul could shoot Auburn up the preseason polls next season, as well as better their chances to win the NCAA Tournament.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn's projected ranking from USA TODAY after Final Four

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