The Pearl era in Auburn basketball isn’t over; it’s just entering its next chapter. With Steven Pearl stepping into the head coaching role after his legendary father Bruce retired, the 2025-26 season is more than just a schedule release. It’s a new beginning, and Auburn’s slate has enough firepower to test both the coach and his players from day one.
A fresh start with early tune-ups
The Tigers will tip things off at home with three straight nonconference games that should help Steven Pearl get his footing on the sideline. Auburn hosts Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 3), Merrimack (Nov. 6), and Wofford (Nov. 11). None of those opponents jump off the page, but these are the kind of contests where rotations get sorted out and new leaders emerge.
The first real test comes quickly. On Nov. 16, Auburn meets Houston in Birmingham—a rematch that promises a physical battle against one of the nation’s toughest programs. That’s followed by a swing through Las Vegas for the Players Era Championship (Nov. 24-26). Matchups against Oregon and Michigan are already confirmed, with a third opponent to be announced. Pearl’s group won’t be easing into his debut season.
MORE: Who is Steven Pearl?
Road trips and marquee nonconference battles
The non-league calendar is loaded with statement opportunities. Auburn heads to Raleigh for a Dec. 3 clash with NC State before making its first-ever road trip to Arizona on Dec. 6. That’s a tough back-to-back stretch against two programs with March Madness aspirations.
The Tigers also return to the Holiday Hoopsgiving event in Atlanta on Dec. 13 to face Chattanooga, then close out the nonconference gauntlet against Purdue on Dec. 20 in Indianapolis. Playing the Boilermakers in Big Ten country is no small challenge, especially in front of what should be a raucous crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Before diving into SEC play, Auburn has one more home game against Queens on Dec. 29, a chance to regroup before the grind really begins.
SEC play opens with fire
The Tigers begin their conference schedule on the road at Georgia (Jan. 3) before coming home to face Texas A&M a few days later. It won’t take long for things to heat up, with Arkansas (Jan. 10) and South Carolina (Jan. 17) both coming to Neville Arena in January. Auburn also makes early trips to Missouri, Ole Miss, Florida, and Tennessee, four environments where wins don’t come easy.
Perhaps the most anticipated game of the season arrives on Feb. 7 when Alabama visits Auburn. The Iron Bowl of basketball always delivers, and with Steven Pearl in his first season, that rivalry will carry even more weight. Auburn then closes the regular season on March 7 with the return trip to Tuscaloosa, a game that could easily have postseason implications.
Circle these must-watch games
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Nov. 16 vs. Houston (Birmingham): Steven Pearl’s first chance at a national statement.
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Nov. 24-26, Players Era Championship (Las Vegas): Three games against big-brand opponents on a national stage.
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Dec. 6 at Arizona: Auburn’s first trip to Tucson against a perennial powerhouse.
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Dec. 20 vs. Purdue (Indianapolis): A blue-blood December showdown that feels like March.
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Feb. 7 vs. Alabama / March 7 at Alabama: The rivalry takes center stage with double the drama.
Good challenge for first-year coach
Steven Pearl’s first year won’t be defined by a soft landing. Auburn’s 2025-26 schedule is built with big-time nonconference games, tough road trips, and a brutal SEC grind. There will be plenty of opportunities for resume-building wins, but also more than a few traps that could test a new head coach’s poise.
One thing’s for sure: Tigers fans won’t have to wait long to see what the new era looks like under Steven Pearl. From Vegas to Arizona to the Iron Bowl rivalry, this schedule offers it all, fireworks, challenges, and the chance for Auburn basketball to show it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
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