Auburn’s MVP Trifecta: Barkley, Newton & Donaldson
Since 1990, only Auburn University has produced league MVPs in the NFL (Cam Newton, 2015), MLB (Josh Donaldson, 2015) and NBA (Charles Barkley, 1993). Barkley dominated the ’92–’93 NBA season with 25+ points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists en route to beating legends like Jordan and Olajuwon. Donaldson’s .297 average, .371 OBP and 123 runs in 2015 helped him outshine Mike Trout for the AL MVP. That same year, Newton piled up 3,800 passing yards, 35 TDs and 636 rushing yards to earn nearly unanimous NFL MVP honors. Despite a decade without a new MVP, Auburn fans remain hopeful for the next Plains-born superstar.
Ah, the good old days when Auburn athletes actually did something beyond collective sighs and “close but no cigar” football seasons. Now, of course, Tigers fans are rewatching Cam’s MVP highlight reel on loop, hoping a fresh hero will emerge—perhaps something more than a third-string kicker. It’s like celebrating Christmas in July: you know it won’t happen again anytime soon, but darned if you’re not going to deck the halls and blast the fight song just in case. Who needs consistent success when you can cling to three decades-old accolades?
Portal Panic: Top JUCO Guard Bails on Tigers
Abdul Bashir, Auburn’s former No. 1 JUCO transfer and four-star prospect from Wyoming, has entered the Transfer Portal after averaging two points in six games. Despite Bruce Pearl’s glowing endorsement of Bashir’s shooting and instincts, he never cracked Auburn’s rotation, sitting behind guards like Tahaad Pettiford and Elyjah Freeman. Auburn now faces four players in the Portal—Bashir, Filip Jović, Freeman and Kaden Magwood—but retains depth at guard, with Pettiford and Kevin Overton opting to stay and class of ’26 recruit Caleb Williams waiting in the wings.
Breaking news: one well-paid coach’s “special talent” is so special he limped out the door faster than you can say “transfer waiver.” It’s comforting to know Auburn can still out-Portal Auburn, a feat they’ve nearly made an art form. Why develop the players you have when you can chase the next JUCO unicorn? But hey, at least the walk-ons are probably thrilled. Who needs stability when you can have the offseason equivalent of musical chairs—minus the chairs?
Small But Mighty: Auburn’s Secret Weapon Recruit
Omar Mabson II, standing 5’9″ and 213 lbs, recently guided 2028 running back Tripp Chatmon (5’8″, 185 lbs) through Auburn’s facilities and weight room. Chatmon, a sophomore phenom from Buford High School with 398 yards and nine touchdowns on 50 carries, left a Friday visit impressed by Auburn’s indoor/outdoor practice fields, training rooms and “the hill” weight station. Chatmon cites coachability, determination and God’s plan as keys to overcoming his height. New head coach Alex Golesh’s emphasis on character development resonates with Chatmon as he eyes the Plains for growth both on and off the field.
Ah yes, the ancient art of “let the big guy eat, little guy.” Mabson’s mentorship doubles as a live-action infomercial for Auburn’s weight room: “Order now and we’ll throw in ‘the hill’ free!” Meanwhile, Chatmon’s faith is strong, but let’s hope he packed prayer beads for the recruiting roller coaster, because one minute you’re top of the board, the next you’re checking if God has a portal exemption. Who needs size when you have divine intervention—and a fellow undersized RB showing you where the squat rack hides?
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