Auburn forward Jahki Howard will enter the transfer portal after one season with the Tigers, according to a report from Auburn dailymedia Howard will…..Read details..

In a significant development for Auburn University’s men’s basketball program, freshman forward Jahki Howard has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal after completing his inaugural season with the Tigers. This decision introduces a notable shift in Auburn’s roster dynamics as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Howard’s Freshman Season Performance

During the 2024-2025 season, Howard appeared in 21 of Auburn’s 38 games, contributing an average of 4.2 points and 1.1 rebounds over 9.1 minutes per game. Despite limited playing time, he demonstrated efficiency with a 53.6% shooting accuracy from the field and an impressive 40.9% from three-point range.

Recruitment and Background

Howard joined Auburn as a four-star recruit, ranked No. 70 nationally in the Class of 2024 by On3’s Industry Ranking. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, he honed his skills at Overtime Elite in Georgia before committing to the Tigers.

Mid-Season Incident

Howard’s freshman year was marked by an off-court incident in November 2024. He and teammate Ja’Heim Hudson were involved in an altercation during a team flight to Houston, leading to an emergency landing. Both players were subsequently left out of the lineup for the game against Houston.

Impact on Auburn’s Roster

Howard’s departure adds to the list of offseason changes for Auburn. Guard Tahaad Pettiford has declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, and several seniors are concluding their collegiate careers. These developments necessitate strategic recruitment and roster adjustments by the coaching staff.

Future Prospects

As Howard explores new opportunities through the transfer portal, Auburn will focus on reinforcing its roster to build upon the successes of the previous season. The coaching staff’s ability to attract and develop talent will be crucial in maintaining the program’s competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference.

Howard’s decision to transfer underscores the dynamic nature of college basketball rosters and the ongoing adjustments teams must make to adapt to player movements and maintain team cohesion