With Pettiford returning, Pearl expects to slide him into the starting lineup for his sophomore season. In 2024-25, Pettiford came off the bench in 37 of his 38 games played, averaging 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 22.9 minutes per game.

Tahaad Pettiford will withdraw from the NBA draft and will return to Auburn to play for head coach Bruce Pearl.

The Auburn University basketball coach has become a vocal advocate for Israel and against antisemitism, speaking at a Capitol Hill event last week

On May 28, the deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA draft and maintain college eligibility, Tahaad Pettiford decided return to Auburn basketball for his sophomore season. Pettiford averaged 11.6 points per game as a freshman and he’s the only returning scholarship player from last year’s roster.

On May 27, Auburn received some concerning news for Pearl, as his name is being floated around as a possible candidate for the Senate's seat currently held by Tommy Tuberville. As Tuberville currently has plans to run for governor of Alabama in 2026, he will need his seat to be replaced on the Senate, and Pearl's name has been a hot topic.

Apart from being a vocal leader of his Auburn Tigers basketball program, Bruce Pearl is also open about his political views. He has spoken against antisemitism and in support of Israel.

Auburn men’s basketball bolstered its frontcourt Wednesday, gaining a commitment from Serbian forward Filip Jovic, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony was first to report the news.

Auburn Tigers men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl mourned the loss of two Israeli Embassy staffers who were killed after a Jewish Museum event on Wednesday.

Following the Final Four loss, freshman Tahaad Pettiford revealed he would be declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. The guard saw his stock rise in the Tigers' March Madness run, averaging 15.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists through five games.