Former Auburn Small Forward Transfers to SEC Program

Elyjah Freeman leaves Tigers after one season, heads to Texas

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements of a basketball player, conveying the dynamic and ever-changing nature of college basketball team compositions.The departure of a key Auburn player through the transfer portal signals the continued fluidity of college basketball rosters.Auburn Today

Elyjah Freeman, a key player for the Auburn Tigers during the 2025-2026 season, has entered the transfer portal and committed to play for another SEC program. Freeman, who averaged 9.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for Auburn, will now continue his college basketball career at the University of Texas.

Why it matters

The transfer of a talented player like Freeman is a notable loss for the Auburn basketball program, which will need to replace his production and experience. However, his decision to join another SEC school means he will remain a factor within the conference.

The details

Freeman spent one season at Auburn after transferring from Division II Lincoln Memorial University. During the Tigers' NIT run, he averaged 10 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, including a 19-point performance in the second round. He now joins fellow Auburn transfer Filip Jovic, who committed to UCLA earlier this month.

  • Freeman entered the transfer portal on April 6, 2026.
  • He announced his commitment to Texas on April 17, 2026.

The players

Elyjah Freeman

A former small forward who spent one season playing for the Auburn Tigers before entering the transfer portal.

Filip Jovic

Another Auburn transfer who committed to play for UCLA after entering the portal.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited for the next chapter of my basketball career at the University of Texas.”

— Elyjah Freeman

The takeaway

Freeman's transfer highlights the continued volatility of the college basketball landscape, as players increasingly seek new opportunities through the transfer portal. Auburn will need to quickly identify and recruit replacements to fill the void left by Freeman's departure.