Auburn’s Chaney Johnson Wins 2025 Oscar Robertson Trophy, Set to Join Duke in 2026
Auburn Tigers forward Chaney Johnson has etched his name into college basketball history by winning the prestigious 2025 Oscar Robertson Trophy, awarded annually to the best player in NCAA men’s basketball. Johnson’s stellar season was defined by consistency, leadership, and explosive playmaking, making him a standout among peers and a key figure in Auburn’s deep tournament run.
Johnson averaged 15.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game during the 2024–25 season, shooting an impressive 51.4% from the field. His efforts helped lead the Auburn Tigers to a 27–8 record and a trip to the regional finals in the NCAA Division II Tournament, where his on-court dominance and leadership stood out. Known for his versatility and athleticism, Johnson was a constant threat on both ends of the court—scoring efficiently, defending tough matchups, and elevating the play of his teammates.
The Oscar Robertson Trophy, presented by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, is considered one of the highest honors in college basketball. Past recipients include legends like Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, and Zion Williamson. Johnson now joins this elite group, a testament to the remarkable season he delivered and the potential he carries forward.
But Johnson’s story didn’t begin at Auburn. A native of Alabaster, Alabama, he played his high school ball at Thompson High School before spending three years at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). There, he developed into one of Division II’s top players, earning Gulf South Conference Player of the Year honors and becoming the first UAH athlete in over a decade to be named Alabama’s Small College Athlete of the Year.
His decision to transfer to Auburn ahead of the 2023–24 season proved pivotal. “I wanted to challenge myself at the highest level,” Johnson said in an earlier interview. “Auburn gave me that opportunity, and I’m grateful to have been part of such a special program.”
With his Auburn chapter nearing its conclusion, Johnson has already revealed his next move—he will be joining Duke University in 2026. The announcement has generated excitement across the basketball world, with fans and analysts eager to see how his game translates to the high-powered Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
“Chaney is a rare talent,” said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. “He brings the work ethic, the mindset, and the skill to succeed anywhere. Duke’s getting a special player and an even better person.”
The move to Duke aligns with Johnson’s long-term goals of playing in the NBA, and the Blue Devils’ development program under Coach Jon Scheyer will offer him a platform to further elevate his game. The transition also gives him another year to prepare mentally and physically before facing off against the nation’s top programs.
For now, Johnson remains focused on finishing strong at Auburn. As he prepares for his final season with the Tigers, expectations are sky-high. Fans are hopeful that he can lead Auburn to even greater heights while continuing to grow as a player and a leader.
“Winning the Oscar Robertson Trophy is an honor I’ll never forget,” Johnson said during the award ceremony. “But I’m not done yet. There’s still work to do, and I’m hungry for more.”
From small-town beginnings to national recognition and a future at one of the sport’s blue bloods, Chaney Johnson’s journey is the definition of perseverance, growth, and greatness in the making.
