Breaking News: Jahki Howard Declares, “I’m Not Going Anywhere,” Igniting a New Era of Excitement in Auburn Basketball
Auburn, AL — April 22, 2025
In a college basketball world increasingly shaped by NIL deals, transfer portal shakeups, and one-and-done dreams, loyalty has become a rare trait. But on Tuesday morning, Auburn basketball fans received a jolt of adrenaline when star forward Jahki Howard emphatically put any doubts to rest with four simple, resounding words: “I’m not going anywhere.”
The announcement was made via social media and quickly went viral. Accompanied by a short highlight reel and a photo of Howard in a Tigers jersey with his arms crossed under the glowing lights of Neville Arena, his declaration sent shockwaves through the college basketball community — and electrified the Auburn faithful.
The Heartbeat of the Tigers
Jahki Howard, a 6-foot-7 dynamic forward out of Atlanta, Georgia, was a crown jewel in Auburn’s recruiting class. A former five-star prospect and McDonald’s All-American, Howard made waves during his freshman campaign. His blend of athleticism, tenacity, and leadership turned heads and earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in the SEC.
This past season, Howard averaged 17.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and nearly a block and steal per game. His high-flying dunks, lockdown defense, and emotional leadership were instrumental in Auburn’s 25-9 season and Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
While many assumed he might test the NBA Draft waters or consider lucrative transfer portal offers, Howard’s announcement made one thing abundantly clear: he’s committed to finishing what he started on The Plains.
“Auburn believed in me. Coach Pearl believed in me. The fans showed love from day one,” Howard said in a video post. “We got unfinished business. I’m locked in. Let’s run it back.”
A Rare Commitment in Today’s Climate
In an era where college basketball rosters are constantly in flux, Howard’s loyalty stands out. The transfer portal is overflowing, with hundreds of players exploring opportunities elsewhere. At the same time, the NBA Draft looms large for any player with a glimmer of professional potential. Add in skyrocketing NIL opportunities, and it’s not hard to see why few elite players remain with a single program for more than a season or two.
But Jahki Howard isn’t just any player — and Auburn isn’t just any program.
“It’s huge,” said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl in a statement released shortly after the announcement. “Jahki is the kind of player you build championships around. But more than that, he’s a culture guy. He leads by example, and he bleeds orange and blue.”
Pearl went on to call Howard “one of the most impactful players I’ve ever coached,” comparing his dedication and star power to past Auburn legends like Chuma Okeke and Jabari Smith Jr.
Fanbase Rejoices
Within minutes of Howard’s post, Auburn Twitter (or X) lit up like a scoreboard at March Madness.
Fans flooded the replies with gifs, celebration videos, and messages of gratitude. Within an hour, “Jahki” was trending nationally.
“This is better than any recruit or transfer we could have gotten,” wrote one fan.
“This dude is about to become an Auburn legend,” added another.
The university’s official basketball account posted a new profile picture — a silhouette of Howard soaring for a dunk, with the caption: “#NotGoingAnywhere.”
Even Auburn football players chimed in to show love.
“That’s how we do it at AU. Loyalty. Family. Let’s eat this year @jahkihoward,” tweeted junior quarterback Holden Geriner.
A Star on the Rise
Howard’s freshman campaign exceeded expectations, but what makes him so special isn’t just the stats — it’s the way he plays the game. He’s relentless. Emotional. Fearless. He never takes a play off, whether it’s diving for a loose ball or putting an opponent on a poster.
Former NBA scout Mark Stevens called him “a future lottery pick with shades of Jimmy Butler’s dog and Paul George’s build.”
But Howard’s commitment to personal growth stands out just as much as his athletic gifts.
“He’s in the gym more than anybody,” said assistant coach Wes Flanigan. “Before sunrise. After practice. He’s obsessed with getting better.”
His decision to stay likely means Auburn will enter the 2025-26 season as one of the early favorites to win the SEC — and perhaps even make a legitimate push at a Final Four berth.
The Bruce Pearl Effect
There’s no denying the impact Bruce Pearl has had on Auburn’s basketball resurgence. Since his arrival in 2014, the program has gone from SEC afterthought to national contender, making multiple NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 2019, and producing NBA-level talent.
But Pearl’s biggest strength might be his relationships. Players trust him. Families trust him. And in this case, Jahki Howard trusted him enough to stay when he could have cashed out.
“Coach Pearl kept it real with me from day one,” Howard said. “He didn’t promise me anything — just an opportunity and a family. That’s what I got here.”
Pearl’s hands-on approach and player-first mentality have built a culture where players want to stay — even when other opportunities are on the table.
NIL and Loyalty: A Balancing Act
Multiple sources close to the Auburn program say Howard was courted by other schools and private NIL groups offering “seven-figure” incentives to transfer. But Jahki, along with his family and inner circle, prioritized fit, legacy, and development over a quick payday.
That’s not to say NIL didn’t play a role. Auburn’s NIL infrastructure, which has grown rapidly over the past two years, is among the most organized in the SEC. And Howard has already inked several deals, including partnerships with a regional fast food chain, an athletic wear company, and a major Southern beverage brand.
But the focus, according to Howard, is legacy.
“I want to be remembered. I want banners. I want to leave something behind that kids 10 years from now will still talk about,” he said.
The Road Ahead
With Howard’s return, Auburn’s 2025-26 starting lineup begins to look formidable.
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Aden Holloway (sophomore)
- SG: Denver Jones (senior)
- SF: Jahki Howard (sophomore)
- PF: Johni Broome Jr. (returning senior)
- C: Dylan Cardwell (senior)
Bench players like Tre Donaldson, K.D. Johnson, and incoming four-star recruit Malik Green are expected to provide significant depth.
Add in a top-15 recruiting class and rumors of a potential transfer pickup, and Auburn could very well open the season as a top-10 team nationally.
“We’re not just trying to compete — we’re trying to dominate,” Howard said. “This year, it’s championship or bust.”
Auburn’s Golden Era?
Between the strength of their returning roster, the momentum of their recruiting, and the growth of their NIL backing, Auburn basketball could be entering its golden era. And Jahki Howard, by staying, just made himself the face of it.
While it’s tempting to talk NBA projections or speculate on how much money he might have turned down, the real story is the message his decision sends:
Culture matters. Loyalty matters. And Auburn is building something special.
“This is my home,” Howard said. “This is where I became a man. And this is where I’m going to chase greatness.”
Final Thoughts
Jahki Howard’s decision to remain at Auburn may not shift the power balance in the NBA or steal headlines from professional sports, but in the world of college basketball — and especially within the borders of Alabama — it’s seismic.
He chose loyalty over leverage. Legacy over instant riches. Team over self.
In doing so, he didn’t just strengthen Auburn’s roster — he strengthened its identity.
And as the 2025-26 season looms, Auburn fans can rest easy knowing their star isn’t going anywhere.
He’s staying.
He’s leading.
He’s building something.
And the rest of the college basketball world just got put on notice.
