Andrew Pace
Auburn Tigers, the college basketball team from Auburn University, has been ranked #1 in the nation on four separate occasions. The Tigers first achieved the top ranking in 2022 and repeated this feat in 2025. The team's success has been attributed to its strong performance against top-ranked opponents and computer-based ranking systems, such as the KenPom ranking. Auburn's rise to the top spot in college basketball is particularly notable given the school's historic focus on other sports. The Tigers' success has been led by players like Johni Broome, who suffered an ankle injury in 2025, threatening their #1 ranking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First season | 1906 |
| Number of appearances in the NCAA tournament | 14 |
| Number of consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament | 4 |
| Number of SEC regular season championships | 6 |
| Number of SEC tournament championships | 3 |
| Number of appearances in the Final Four | 2 |
| Result of the first Final Four appearance | Loss to Virginia |
| Year of first Final Four appearance | 2019 |
| Number of All-America recognitions | 2 |
| Number of All-American players | 14 |
| Number of All-SEC selections | 102 |
| Number of NBA draft picks | 36 |
| Highest NBA draft pick | Jabari Smith, 3rd overall pick |
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What You'll Learn
Auburn Tigers ranked #1 in 2022
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has had a rich history dating back to 1906. While they have experienced success over the years, the team reached new heights in 2022, claiming the top spot in the AP Poll for three weeks. This achievement marked the fourth time in the program's history that the Auburn Tigers had been ranked #1.
The 2022 Auburn Tigers men's basketball team was a force to be reckoned with. Led by future NBA draft picks Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler, the team finished the season with an impressive 28-6 record. Smith, selected with the third overall pick, became the highest draft pick in Auburn's history. The team's success was not limited to just individual performances, as they also achieved notable victories on the court.
One of the standout moments for the 2022 Auburn Tigers was their triumph over Texas and South Carolina, which contributed to their ascension to the #1 ranking. This victory was made even more significant as it coincided with a loss by the previous #1 team, Tennessee, who suffered a 30-point defeat to Florida. The Auburn Tigers' success extended beyond just one game, as they demonstrated their prowess in the SEC tournament as well.
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has a long-standing rivalry with the Alabama Crimson Tide, dating back to their first meeting in 1924. While Alabama leads the series with 103 wins compared to Auburn's 69, the Tigers have had their share of memorable victories. One such victory came in the 1985 SEC Tournament Championship game, where Auburn prevailed with a score of 53-49 in overtime.
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has experienced both triumphs and setbacks over the years. However, the 2022 season stood out as a year of exceptional success, with the team claiming the #1 ranking in the AP Poll and producing NBA draft picks. The Tigers' strong performance in 2022 added another chapter to their basketball legacy, showcasing their talent, determination, and ability to rise to the top.
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The Tigers' rise to the top
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has a long and illustrious history, with the program beginning in 1906. The Tigers have experienced both success and setbacks over the years, but their determination and talent have always shone through.
One of the earliest mentions of the Tigers' success was in 1924, when they met their rivals, Alabama, in the Southern Conference Tournament. Although they lost that game, it marked the start of a fierce rivalry that has endured for decades. The Tigers' first win against Alabama came in their sixth meeting in 1949, and they have since met regularly, with Alabama leading the series.
The Tigers' first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance came in 1984, led by the legendary Charles Barkley. Barkley's talent was recognised as he became the SEC Player of the Year and a first-team All-American. This was also the first of five consecutive seasons that Sonny Smith, the head coach at the time, led Auburn to the NCAA Tournament. Smith's tenure culminated in an Elite Eight run in 1986, where they lost to the eventual national champion, Louisville.
Another notable figure in the Tigers' rise is Chuck Person, also known as "The Rifleman". Person was a driving force behind Auburn's success, including their run to the Elite Eight in 1986. He finished his career as Auburn's all-time leader in points, field goals, and field goal attempts, leaving a lasting legacy.
More recently, in the 2017-18 season, the Tigers claimed their third SEC regular-season championship under the leadership of Bruce Pearl. Pearl surpassed Joel Eaves as the winningest coach in Auburn basketball history in 2025. That same year, the Tigers made their 14th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and reached the Final Four for the second time, showcasing their consistent excellence.
Although the Auburn Tigers have never won the National Championship, their resilience and talent have propelled them to new heights. With a rich history, dedicated coaches, and outstanding players, the Tigers have risen to the top, leaving their mark on the sport and inspiring future generations of Auburn basketball players.
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Auburn's 2025 rankings
Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has had a storied history, with several notable achievements over the years. The team has appeared in the NCAA tournament 14 times, making it as far as the Final Four in 2019 and 2025. The Tigers play their home games at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, and compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
In terms of rankings, Auburn has had some impressive showings in recent years. In 2025, the Auburn Tigers were ranked #1 in the NCAA Tournament, despite a record of 28-5. This was due to the quality of their wins, as they had the most wins against top-ranked teams. The Tigers were considered the best team in the country by analysts, who credited their success to their strong recruiting and transfers, such as Jackson Arnold and Eric Singleton Jr.
Auburn's men's basketball coach, Bruce Pearl, has been instrumental in the team's success. In 2025, Pearl led the Tigers to their third SEC regular-season championship under his guidance and was named SEC Coach of the Year for the second time. With a record of 232-124 at Auburn, Pearl became the winningest coach in Auburn basketball history, surpassing Joel Eaves, who coached the team from 1949 to 1963 and led them to their first SEC championship in 1960.
Overall, Auburn's basketball program has produced 36 NBA draft picks, including 10 first-round selections. The team has also won six conference regular-season championships and three SEC tournament championships. With a passionate rivalry against Alabama dating back to 1924, Auburn Tigers basketball has a rich history and a bright future, with the potential to become a top-tier program in the coming years.
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Auburn's SEC ranking
Auburn Tigers is the intercollegiate men's basketball team representing Auburn University. The Tigers play their home games at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, and compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Auburn won its first SEC championship in 1960 under coach Joel Eaves, finishing 12-2 in the conference and 19-3 overall. Eaves was named SEC Coach of the Year following the 1960 season. In 1985, Sonny Smith coached Auburn to its first SEC tournament championship. Smith was the first head coach in Auburn history to coach three consecutive 20-win seasons, from 1984 to 1986. He was named SEC Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1988.
Cliff Ellis, who coached from 1994 to 2004, led Auburn to its second SEC regular-season championship in the 1998-99 season. Bruce Pearl, the current coach, has led Auburn to three SEC regular-season championships (2017-18, 2021-22, and 2024-25) and two SEC tournament championships (2019 and 2024). Pearl was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2025.
Overall, Auburn has won six conference regular-season championships and three SEC tournament championships. The team has appeared in the NCAA tournament 14 times, reaching the Final Four in 2019 and 2025. Auburn has produced 36 NBA draft picks, including 10 first-round selections.
In addition to men's basketball, Auburn University also has a strong football team, known as the Auburn Tigers. The football team has won 12 conference championships, including eight SEC championships. They have had seven perfect seasons and six outright Western Division championships.
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Auburn's road to #1
Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has a rich history dating back to 1906. The team has experienced success over the years, including conference titles, March Madness runs, and producing NBA talents. Auburn's road to becoming a prominent basketball program has had its ups and downs, but they have never been ranked #1. Here is a timeline of their journey towards excellence:
The Early Years: Auburn's basketball program began in 1906, and the team first competed against Georgia in 1908, winning 34-20. In 1924, Auburn and Alabama met in the Southern Conference Tournament, with Auburn losing 19-40. This marked the beginning of a fierce rivalry between the two schools.
The Joel Eaves Era: From 1949 to 1963, Joel Eaves served as Auburn's head coach. A former Auburn football and basketball player himself, Eaves led the team to its first SEC championship in 1960, finishing with an impressive 19-3 record. Eaves was named SEC Coach of the Year, and Auburn's Memorial Coliseum was later renamed after him.
The Sonny Smith Years: Sonny Smith took over as head coach in 1978 and guided Auburn to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1984. Smith also led the team to its first SEC Tournament championship in 1985. He became the first coach in Auburn history to achieve three consecutive 20-win seasons from 1984 to 1986, including a run to the Elite Eight.
Continued Success: Auburn continued to build on its success, with Chuck Person leading the team to the Elite Eight in 1986. Known as "The Rifleman," Person finished his career as Auburn's all-time leader in points, field goals, and field goal attempts. He went on to enjoy a successful NBA career, drafted fourth overall by the Indiana Pacers.
Recent Achievements: In recent years, Auburn has continued to excel in men's basketball. In the 2017-18 season, the team won its third SEC regular-season championship. Under the guidance of coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn reached the Final Four for the first time in 2019, losing to Virginia by a single point. In 2025, Auburn returned to the Final Four, making it their second appearance at college basketball's biggest stage.
While Auburn has never been ranked #1, their journey has been filled with memorable moments, talented players, and a continuous pursuit of excellence. The program has produced 36 NBA draft picks, including 10 first-round selections, and continues to be a force in collegiate basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Auburn men's basketball has been ranked #1. In 2022, the Auburn Tigers topped the AP poll for the first time in school history. In 2025, they were ranked #1 for eight consecutive weeks.
Auburn basketball has had some notable achievements, including reaching the Final Four for only the second time in 2025, thanks to star player Johni Broome. In 2022, the Tigers had a memorable season, with a record of 18-1, 7-0 in the SEC.
Some of the greatest Auburn basketball players include Chuck Person, John Mengelt, and Charles Barkley. Person ended his career with 2,311 points, averaging over 20 points per game in his junior and senior seasons. Mengelt was a high scorer, with 26.8 points per game in 1970, increasing to 28.4 the following season. Barkley is considered one of the program's biggest names.
