Auburn, Oklahoma State to play in preseason exhibition

Auburn and Oklahoma State will square off in a preseason exhibition on Oct. 15 at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama. The auditorium only holds 5,000 people and should provide an exciting environment for fans.

“Basketball is alive and well in the state,“ Auburn associate head coach Steven Pearl said. “The facility is unbelievable. We’re excited to be a part of such a great event. Excited about the matchup with Oklahoma State. They’re in a very similar position to us. They return one person from last year.”

Auburn will indeed have a new look next season. The Tigers lost Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell, Chaney Johnson, Miles Kelly and Denver Jones to the NBA this offseason.

Additionally, the team lost Chad Baker-Mazara, Jahki Howard and JP Pegues to the NCAA Transfer Portal. Of course, Auburn didn’t simply accept its losses. The team added four transfers this offseason, including the 2024-25 Big 12 leading scorer, Keyshawn Hall.

Auburn is ranked No. 9 in On3’s 2025 Team Transfer Portal Rankings. The fresh faces will look to build on Auburn’s momentum after the program reached the Final Four this past season for just the second time in school history.

Alas, it will be far from easy. As Pearl mentioned, Oklahoma State also underwent an extreme makeover this offseason. The Cowboys added four transfers this offseason after losing four players to the portal.

Oklahoma State’s incoming transfer class is headlined by LSU transfer Vyctorious Miller, but includes several standouts. Oklahoma State should provide Auburn with an excellent preseason challenge. Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin is excited to host the two teams in his city.

“On behalf of the city of Birmingham, we’re thrilled to host the second edition of Ballin in Boutwell and these exclusive exhibition games in Boutwell Auditorium,” Woodfin said. “Birmingham is a true basketball city, home to passionate fans and a community deeply rooted in the game.

“Ballin in Boutwell brings a new level of premium college basketball to the Magic City. For 80 years, Hibbett has proudly called Birmingham home, and we’re grateful for their continued commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences like this one to our city.”