Six years after their historic first appearance, Auburn returns to the men’s Final Four on Saturday night, aiming for glory.

The Auburn Tigers’ basketball program has come a long way since their historic first appearance in the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2019. Six years later, Auburn is once again poised to return to the stage of college basketball’s biggest event, with a chance to make history and add another chapter to their storied journey. The Tigers’ journey to this point, which culminated in their second-ever Final Four appearance, is a testament to the resilience, talent, and determination that have defined Auburn basketball over the years.

The Road to the Final Four

Auburn’s road to the 2025 Final Four has been marked by impressive victories, thrilling moments, and overcoming adversity. The Tigers, led by their head coach, Bruce Pearl, have become a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. Under his guidance, Auburn has developed a culture of hard work, commitment, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Auburn entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with a strong regular-season record and as one of the top teams in the SEC. Their impressive campaign was highlighted by a series of dominant performances, including key victories over top-ranked teams. With a balanced roster of talented players, Auburn was able to make a deep run in the tournament, ultimately securing their spot in the Final Four.

The Tigers’ defense, which has been a hallmark of their game under Coach Pearl, played a crucial role in their success. Auburn’s ability to lock down opponents, force turnovers, and execute in clutch moments made them a tough matchup for anyone in the field. Meanwhile, their offense, led by key players like Johni Broome and Alan Flanigan, showcased a dynamic blend of skill, speed, and efficiency.

Throughout the tournament, Auburn displayed poise under pressure and the ability to perform when it mattered most. Their thrilling victories, including a buzzer-beater win in the Elite Eight, propelled them to San Antonio, where they will compete for a chance to play for the national championship.

Coach Bruce Pearl: A Visionary Leader

Bruce Pearl’s influence on Auburn basketball cannot be overstated. Since taking over the program in 2014, Pearl has transformed Auburn from a team struggling to make a mark in the SEC into a national contender. His coaching philosophy, which emphasizes up-tempo play, defensive tenacity, and unselfish ball movement, has been the foundation of Auburn’s rise to prominence.

In his time at Auburn, Pearl has recruited some of the top talent in the nation, developing them into NBA prospects and college stars. His ability to connect with his players and inspire them to achieve greatness has been key to Auburn’s success. This season, Pearl’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Tigers through the highs and lows of the tournament, keeping them focused on their ultimate goal: a national championship.

Pearl’s experience in big-game situations, including his previous Final Four appearance in 2019, has provided invaluable lessons for both himself and his players. He knows what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage, and that knowledge has been passed down to his team. Pearl has instilled in his players the belief that they are capable of competing with the best and that they belong on the Final Four stage.

The 2025 Auburn Tigers: Key Players and Impactful Performances

While Coach Pearl has been the driving force behind Auburn’s success, the players on the court have been equally crucial in the Tigers’ journey to the Final Four. Among them is Johni Broome, Auburn’s standout point guard, whose leadership, court vision, and scoring ability have been a driving force for the team. Broome has been a key player in Auburn’s success, often taking over games in critical moments and showing why he is considered one of the best guards in the country. His ability to create plays for his teammates, as well as his scoring ability, has made him one of the most feared players in college basketball.

Alongside Broome, senior Alan Flanigan has been a key contributor to Auburn’s success. Flanigan’s versatility, experience, and defensive prowess have made him a valuable asset for the Tigers. His ability to guard multiple positions, as well as his leadership on and off the court, has helped guide Auburn through the pressures of the NCAA Tournament.

Other notable players on Auburn’s roster include forwards Chris Moore and Jaylin Williams, who have been instrumental in Auburn’s balanced attack. Moore’s ability to score in the paint and Williams’ athleticism and defensive tenacity have made them key contributors to Auburn’s success in the tournament.

As the Tigers head into the Final Four, their collective chemistry, commitment to defense, and unselfishness on offense will be crucial in determining their fate. Auburn’s ability to play as a cohesive unit, with each player contributing in their own way, has made them a formidable opponent for anyone in the field.

The Final Four Stage: A Historic Opportunity

The Final Four represents the pinnacle of college basketball, and for Auburn, it is a chance to make history once again. While their previous appearance in 2019 ended in a heartbreaking loss to the Virginia Cavaliers in the national championship game, the Tigers are determined to make the most of this second opportunity. The team’s motivation is clear: they want to finish what they started and bring a national championship to Auburn.

This Final Four appearance also holds significance for Auburn’s fan base, which has been passionately supporting the team throughout the season. Auburn fans have made their presence known throughout the tournament, and the atmosphere in San Antonio will undoubtedly be electric as they cheer on their team. For many Auburn fans, this is an opportunity to witness history and be part of a moment that will be remembered for generations to come.

The Tigers will face tough competition in the Final Four, with top teams like Kansas, Duke, and Baylor all vying for a spot in the national title game. But Auburn has proven time and time again that they are capable of competing with the best, and their players have shown that they are up to the challenge.

The Road Ahead: Championship Dreams

As Auburn prepares for their Final Four matchup on Saturday night, their eyes are set firmly on the national championship. The Tigers know that they have the talent, the coaching, and the determination to win it all. With Johni Broome leading the charge, Auburn is poised to make a deep run and claim their first-ever national title in men’s basketball.

For Auburn’s players, this is the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. The journey to the Final Four has been long, but it has been worth every moment. Now, with the national championship within reach, Auburn’s players are focused and ready to leave everything on the court.

For Coach Bruce Pearl and his staff, this is an opportunity to cement their legacy and take Auburn basketball to new heights. A national championship would not only be a monumental achievement for the program but would also serve as a testament to the culture that Coach Pearl has built at Auburn.

As Auburn heads into their Final Four matchup, they are not just playing for themselves, but for their fans, their university, and for the future of Auburn basketball. The Tigers have already made history by returning to the Final Four, but they are determined to take that next step and bring home a national championship.

Saturday night will be a momentous occasion for Auburn basketball, and whether they win or lose, the Tigers will continue to make their mark on college basketball. This team, with its remarkable players, outstanding coaching staff, and passionate fan base, has already proven that they belong on the biggest stage. And with a national championship still in sight, the Auburn Tigers are ready to make history once again.