Tahaad Pettiford makes decision on future with Auburn
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Tahaad Pettiford is staying home.
The standout Auburn guard will spend a 3rd year on The Plains, confirmed by Auburn basketball‘s social media account Saturday afternoon. Pettiford has spent 2 seasons with Auburn and opted to return and give it another run despite taking a bit of a step back in production from Year 1 to Year 2. He will have 2 seasons of eligibility remaining.
Pettiford’s talent is hard to ignore, even if it was a bit of down year for him in 2026. The 6-1 guard is a crafty scorer, a great facilitator and a strong defender despite his smaller size.
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Pearl’s team is shaping up heading into his second year leading the Tigers. Pettiford is staying alongside promising freshman Sebastian Williams-Adams, guard Kevin Overton and freshman Simon Walker. With Freeman, Keyshawn Hall and KeShawn Murphy heading out the door, the Tigers will need to add a dependable playmaker to star alongside Pettiford.
Pettiford originally declared for the NBA Draft after helping the Tigers to the Final Four in 2025, but decided to return for a second season. He was a considerably better shooter from range in 2025 under Bruce Pearl, finishing 36% from behind the arc in 2025 compared to 29% from range in 2026. Getting those shooting numbers back to 2025-form will go a long way in helping the Tigers return to the NCAA Tournament.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
