In the most recent bracketology update, the No. 1 Auburn Tigers face two significant obstacles.

As the college basketball season surges toward its climax, the Auburn Tigers, sitting proudly at No. 1 in the nation, are staring down the barrel of a challenging stretch. While their dominance in the SEC has kept them at the top of the rankings, the most recent bracketology update highlights two significant obstacles that could threaten their path to a national championship. With March Madness on the horizon, Auburn must overcome both internal and external hurdles to solidify their position as a top contender.

In this article, we will delve into the two key obstacles that could derail the Tigers’ campaign, examine how these challenges might impact their postseason prospects, and explore what Auburn needs to do to navigate these potential pitfalls.

Obstacle #1: Injuries and Depth Concerns

One of the biggest challenges Auburn faces heading into the home stretch of the season is the concern over injuries, particularly in the frontcourt. Throughout the 2025 season, Auburn has been a well-oiled machine, but like many top-tier teams, injuries have started to cast a shadow over their momentum.

The most pressing injury concern is that of Jaylin Williams, a critical piece to Auburn’s frontcourt. Williams has been sidelined with a lower-body injury that has kept him out of a few key games. His absence has been felt on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Williams is one of Auburn’s most tenacious players, providing rim protection and often serving as the anchor to the Tigers’ suffocating defense. Offensively, his versatility as a scorer, particularly his ability to stretch the floor and shoot from beyond the arc, makes him a vital part of Auburn’s offensive schemes.

With Williams sidelined, Auburn has had to lean heavily on Chris Moore and Johni Broome to pick up the slack. While Moore has stepped up admirably, especially in the rebounding department, he lacks the same shooting range and overall versatility that Williams brings to the table. Broome, who has been a standout playmaker and scorer for the Tigers, has also had to take on more responsibility offensively, which has occasionally led to him burning out or becoming too predictable.

Even with Moore and Broome stepping up, Auburn’s lack of depth in the frontcourt has become an issue. While Dylan Cardwell has provided some solid minutes off the bench, Auburn’s overall depth in the post has been thin. Against more physical teams with multiple big men, Auburn’s defense could be exposed, particularly on the glass.

If Williams cannot return to full health or if another key player gets injured, Auburn may struggle to keep up with teams that can match them in the paint. The ability to rotate fresh bodies in the post is crucial as the Tigers enter the tournament, where the level of competition intensifies. Teams like Kentucky, Tennessee, and even Ole Miss (depending on how they perform) can take advantage of Auburn’s thin frontcourt if the injury issues persist.

Obstacle #2: Tough Matchups in the Tournament

The second major obstacle facing the Tigers as they look toward March Madness is the possibility of tough matchups in the tournament. While Auburn has earned the No. 1 ranking and sits atop the SEC standings, it will need to navigate a brutal bracket and face some serious competition to make it to the Final Four and beyond.

Auburn’s style of play has been highly effective throughout the season, with a defense that forces turnovers, an offense built around a balanced attack, and key players like Johni Broome and Wendell Green Jr. capable of taking over games. But tournament time is different, and teams that are able to thrive in high-pressure situations can cause trouble for even the most seasoned programs.

Top-tier defenses are often a significant threat to Auburn. Teams that can match or even exceed their defensive pressure could stymie the Tigers’ high-scoring offense. The NCAA tournament has a history of seeing teams with strong defensive schemes make deep runs, as their ability to slow down high-scoring opponents can frustrate and disrupt offensive rhythm.

Kentucky, Tennessee, and Kansas, should they meet in the tournament, are teams that Auburn will have to be particularly wary of. These programs have solid defensive schemes and can slow the game down, making it difficult for Auburn to exploit their fast-paced style of play. Kentucky, in particular, has the size and athleticism to dominate in the paint, something Auburn will have to contend with in their tournament run. Tennessee, too, is one of the best defensive teams in the country, known for its ability to lock down shooters and disrupt passing lanes.

Another potential issue for Auburn is the X-factor of March Madness: upsets. We’ve seen in the past that anything can happen in the NCAA tournament, and the Tigers are no exception to this rule. A lower-seeded team with an elite player or an unconventional playing style could knock Auburn out in an early round if they aren’t prepared. Whether it’s a Cinderella team from a smaller conference or a power conference squad that’s underperformed all season but is peaking at the right time, Auburn needs to be careful not to overlook any team in the tournament.

Auburn’s first-round matchup could also be critical in setting the tone for the rest of the tournament. A team with momentum or a hot shooter could cause early problems, and Auburn must ensure they are mentally prepared for any opponent, regardless of seeding.

The Path to Overcoming These Obstacles

While these obstacles pose real challenges, Auburn has the talent and the coaching to overcome them. In order to mitigate the impact of their injuries and depth concerns, Auburn must focus on developing their younger players. The Tigers have talented recruits and bench players, and this may be the perfect time for Wendell Green Jr., Trey Alexander, and Dylan Cardwell to step into larger roles.

Green Jr. has been excellent throughout the season and will need to be the leader on the court. His ability to control the tempo and find scoring opportunities will be crucial for Auburn’s success in the tournament. As a playmaker, he has the ability to orchestrate the offense and distribute the ball, but he must also continue to score efficiently when necessary.

Another key element is Chris Moore’s growth as a scorer. Auburn needs Moore to contribute more offensively, particularly in situations where Broome or Williams may be off the court or struggling with foul trouble. His physicality and versatility make him a valuable asset, and his ability to take over games will be critical if Auburn’s offense faces challenges.

The coaching staff, led by Bruce Pearl, has proven its ability to make in-game adjustments. Pearl has consistently shown that he can game plan effectively for tough matchups. If Williams returns to full health, that will be a major boost, but Auburn must be prepared to adjust their rotations and offensive strategies if injuries persist.

To navigate the tough matchups, Auburn must embrace its defensive identity. While Auburn is known for its fast-paced offense, their defense has been the cornerstone of their success. Against teams that slow the game down or focus on high-pressure defense, Auburn must use its own defensive pressure to create fast-break opportunities. Their ability to generate turnovers and convert them into points will be crucial in beating teams that excel at controlling the tempo.

Auburn will also need to focus on staying disciplined and not getting caught up in March Madness chaos. Many teams come into the tournament with the mindset of pulling off an upset, and Auburn must keep its focus on the fundamentals. By sticking to their game plan, playing within themselves, and keeping their composure, Auburn can weather the storm when things get tight in late-game situations.