In a major recruiting win for Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers, five-star guard Lamar Wilkerson has officially committed to Auburn, choosing the Tigers over powerhouse programs Kentucky and Ole Miss. The 6-foot-5, 280-pound phenom is one of the most unique and physically dominant prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, and his decision gives Auburn a game-changing presence in the backcourt.
Wilkerson’s commitment is a statement move for Auburn — not only because of the level of talent he brings, but because of the elite programs he turned down. Kentucky, with its storied history and NBA pipeline, made a hard push for the versatile guard, while Ole Miss had previously secured a commitment from him before he reopened his recruitment. In the end, it was Bruce Pearl’s vision and Auburn’s fast-paced, aggressive style that sealed the deal.
“Coach Pearl has a plan for me,” Wilkerson said in his announcement. “He believes in what I can bring to the court, and he’s building something at Auburn that I want to be a part of. It feels like home — the energy, the fans, the culture — it all fits.”
Wilkerson’s unique build has made him one of the most talked-about recruits in the nation. At 280 pounds, he has the frame of a football player but the skills of an elite basketball guard. He’s explosive off the dribble, capable of bulldozing smaller defenders in the paint, and possesses a surprisingly soft shooting touch from midrange and beyond the arc. He averaged 22.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in his final high school season, showing off an all-around game that has impressed scouts across the country.
“He’s a physical mismatch nightmare,” said one SEC assistant coach. “You can’t put a small guard on him because he’ll post up, and bigs can’t stay in front of him. He’s going to make an immediate impact at Auburn.”
Auburn’s roster is already loaded with young talent, and Wilkerson adds a level of physicality and playmaking the Tigers haven’t had in recent years. He’s expected to compete for a starting spot as a freshman and will likely be used in a variety of roles — as a scoring guard, a ball-handler, and even a small-ball forward when needed.
Bruce Pearl was thrilled to land Wilkerson and called him a “program-changer.”
“We’ve been watching Lamar for a long time,” Pearl said. “He plays with heart, he plays with strength, and he plays to win. That’s what Auburn basketball is about. He’s going to be a leader here — on the floor and in the locker room.”
Wilkerson’s commitment gives Auburn a top-10 national recruiting class and sends a strong message across the SEC that the Tigers are not just reloading — they’re elevating. With his rare blend of size, skill, and tenacity, Lamar Wilkerson could be the missing piece to Auburn’s next deep March Madness run.
Tiger fans now have a new name to rally behind — and college basketball has a new star to watch in the making.