On Sunday night, Auburn won the NIT championship in a thrilling overtime game, and Kevin Overton was essential to the Tigers’ victory.
Steven Pearl’s program learned that a crucial starter would return to the Plains for the upcoming season two days later, on the first official day of the transfer portal window. The junior guard will return to the Tigers to try to help Pearl build on that NIT win, according to an announcement made by Auburn on Tuesday afternoon.
On Sunday night, Overton’s crucial 3-point dagger in the closing seconds of regulation tied the NIT championship game against Tulsa, necessitating overtime, which Auburn dominated to win the trophy and return to the Plains. The 6-foot-5 Oklahoma City native was unsurprisingly chosen the MVP of the Tigers’ NIT championship run.
Even before guiding Auburn on that incredible carpet ride in the NIT, he flourished in the final 13 games of the season, averaging 17.7 points and shooting 49.3% from three-point range. After spending time at Drake and Texas Tech before coming to Auburn, Overton has decided not to transfer again and will stay for the upcoming season in an attempt to maintain the momentum from this one.
Overton averaged 56% from 3-point range on 8.2 tries per game during the five-game NIT run, which was incredible. Overton averaged 14.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game across the season.
Auburn may at least relax knowing that Overton won’t be leaving for the 2026–2027 season as it prepares for the future plans of its other potential returning players.
Auburn will try to capitalize on that NIT victory by vying for an NCAA Tournament spot when Overton returns to the Plains the following season. The teams that the Kalshi market believes have the best chance of winning the national championship in 2027 are as follows
