BREAKING: Auburn Secures Commitment from Star D2 Transfer Elyjah Freeman — 6’8″ Freshman Sensation Averaged 18.8 Points, 9.2 Rebounds
Auburn basketball just landed a major piece for its future, as Division II standout Elyjah Freeman has officially committed to the Tigers. The 6-foot-8 freshman small forward made the announcement earlier today, confirming he will be joining Bruce Pearl’s squad for the upcoming season.
Freeman turned heads across the college basketball world this past year with his dominant play at the D2 level, where he averaged 18.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 57% from the field and a remarkable 46% from beyond the arc. His rare combination of size, efficiency, and perimeter shooting has drawn attention from several high-major programs, but in the end, Auburn emerged victorious in securing his commitment.
“After talking with Coach Pearl and the staff, I just felt like Auburn was the best place for me to grow as a player and a person,” Freeman said. “They’ve had success developing guys like me, and I’m excited to be a part of something special.”
Freeman’s addition immediately boosts Auburn’s wing depth and brings a unique skill set to the SEC. His size allows him to guard multiple positions, while his outside shooting and ability to finish around the rim make him a versatile offensive threat. Despite being a freshman, Freeman displayed maturity beyond his years in his lone D2 season, often taking over games with his scoring and rebounding instincts.
He had several breakout performances, including a 32-point, 14-rebound game that showcased just how dominant he can be on both ends of the floor. His ability to stretch the floor as a forward makes him an ideal fit for Bruce Pearl’s up-tempo, space-and-pace system.
“He’s got the tools to be special,” one scout said. “You don’t see many 6’8” freshmen who can shoot like that and have the feel for the game that he does. Auburn is getting a guy who’s ready to make an impact now.”
Freeman’s recruitment has been one of the more closely watched stories in the transfer portal this offseason. Though he played in Division II, his stats and skill set made him a hot commodity. Schools like Florida, Arkansas, and even Kansas reportedly showed interest, but Auburn’s persistent recruitment and vision for Freeman’s future ultimately sealed the deal.
With Auburn coming off another competitive season in the SEC and looking to reload for a deeper postseason run, Freeman could be a key component in the team’s success moving forward. His ability to stretch defenses and rebound effectively will be crucial in matchups against bigger, more athletic opponents.
Bruce Pearl has made a name for himself by identifying and developing talent that others may overlook, and Freeman could be the next great example. The Auburn coaching staff believes they’ve landed a future star, and Freeman is ready to prove he belongs on the biggest stage in college basketball.
“I’m ready to get to work,” Freeman said. “I know there’s going to be an adjustment coming from D2, but I’m not afraid of the challenge. I believe in myself, and I believe in what we can do at Auburn.”
As the Tigers continue to build their roster for the 2025-26 season, the addition of Elyjah Freeman is a clear signal that Auburn isn’t just looking to compete — they’re aiming to contend.
