Auburn basketball announces Tahaad Pettiford will return for 2026-27 season

AUBURN — Tahaad Pettiford isn't going anywhere, as Auburn basketball announced Saturday, April 11, its longtime point guard will return to the Plains for his junior season. That gives the Tigers a quartet of returners amid the latest transfer portal window, with Kevin Overton, Sebastian Williams-Adams and Simon Walker each announcing their plans to stick around for next year. A rising junior, Pettiford's set to have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

A former five-star prospect and McDonald's All-American, Pettiford signed with the Tigers in lieu of offers from Kansas, Kentucky, UConn and UCLA, among others. TRANSFER TRACKER: Who's in, out following Auburn basketball's 2025-26 season As a freshman, Pettiford largely played a reserve role, though it came on a deep, experienced roster that marched through one of the best seasons in program history. Pettiford's part in it all was still significant, playing sixth-man and averaging 11.

6 points off the bench. Following last season's run to the Final Four, Pettiford declared for the NBA draft process while retaining his eligibility, eventually opting to return to Auburn for his sophomore season. It was an underwhelming campaign, which missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years.

Its regular season ended with eight losses in the final 10 games, though Pettiford averaged 19 points and 4. 8 assists in that span while shooting 45. 6% from the field.