After an impressive eight-week run at the top of the AP Poll, the Auburn Tigers have dropped to No. 3 in the final ranking of the regular season. Coach Bruce Pearl’s team stumbled in the final stretch, suffering its first losing streak of the year. Auburn lost on the road to Texas A&M before falling to Alabama in a heartbreaking senior day game.
Despite the slip, Auburn remains the highest-ranked team in the SEC and a strong contender for the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers’ regular-season accomplishments, including being crowned SEC Regular Season Champions, have solidified their position as one of the nation’s elite programs. Duke and Houston now hold the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the poll, with Florida (No. 4) and Alabama (No. 5) representing the SEC alongside Auburn in the top five. Tennessee also cracked the top 10 at No. 8, while Texas A&M (No. 14) and Missouri (No. 21) rounded out the SEC’s impressive showing.
Although Auburn’s fall from the top spot is a setback, the Tigers still have a strong NCAA Tournament résumé. Their early-season victory over Houston and a dominant SEC performance give them a slight edge over Duke, whose ACC-heavy schedule lacks comparable depth. A solid showing in the SEC Tournament could secure Auburn’s path to playing regional games in Atlanta, a potential advantage as they chase a deep tournament run.
“The end of the regular season didn’t go as planned, but this team knows how to bounce back,” said Bruce Pearl. “We’re excited to take the momentum into Nashville and prepare for the challenges ahead.”
The SEC Tournament is shaping up to be highly competitive, featuring six AP-ranked teams. Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Missouri are all set to compete for the title, with Ole Miss also receiving votes in the latest poll. Auburn’s opening game will be crucial, as a deep run in the tournament would not only boost their confidence but also solidify their standing as a top seed in March Madness.
With star players like Johni Broome leading the charge, the Tigers are poised to regain their momentum and prove why they were ranked No. 1 for much of the season. Auburn fans have every reason to remain optimistic as the postseason begins.
