Elyjah Freeman, a standout player from Lincoln Memorial's transfer wing, has officially committed to Auburn following an impressive freshman year at LMU in Harrogate, Tennessee. After visiting both Tennessee and Auburn, Freeman made his decision based on his aspirations for the future. Known for his remarkable performance in Division-II basketball this past season, Freeman averaged nearly 19 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, earning him the South Atlantic Freshman Player of the Year title. His exceptional skills have positioned him as a key asset for Auburn’s upcoming roster.

Freeman's journey from being unranked in high school to becoming one of the top transfers highlights his rapid growth as a player. Ranked No. 122 overall and No. 27 among small forwards by 247Sports, Freeman brings versatility and athleticism that will undoubtedly enhance Auburn's lineup. Meanwhile, Tennessee continues its own recruitment efforts with the signings of Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Jaylen Carey, reinforcing their team after a successful Elite Eight run.

Rising Star Finds New Home at Auburn

Elyjah Freeman, who demonstrated remarkable talent during his freshman campaign, has chosen Auburn as his next destination. Despite having only recently participated in college-level competition, Freeman quickly distinguished himself through his scoring ability and rebounding prowess. With averages of 18.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest, he was recognized as one of the premier freshmen in the South Atlantic Conference.

Freeman’s commitment to Auburn represents not just a personal milestone but also a strategic gain for the Tigers. The Florida native visited over the weekend before making his choice, bringing valuable experience and skills to the program. His shooting efficiency—59% from the field and 46% from three-point range—underscores his well-rounded offensive capabilities. Moreover, his defensive contributions, such as ranking third in conference rebounding and fourth in steals, reflect his all-around impact on the court. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for Freeman, where he aims to elevate his game further under Auburn's guidance.

Tennessee Bolsters Squad Amid Transfer Portal Activity

While Auburn celebrates securing Freeman, Tennessee remains active in strengthening its roster post-Elite Eight appearance. The Volunteers have already brought aboard two notable additions via the transfer portal. First came former Maryland point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, whose presence is expected to ease the loss of Zakai Zeigler. Then followed Vanderbilt forward Jaylen Carey, adding depth and experience to Tennessee’s frontcourt alongside returning players like Felix Okpara and JP Estrella.

Their recruitment strategy focuses on maintaining momentum following back-to-back Elite Eight finishes. By targeting experienced transfers like Gillespie and Carey, Tennessee seeks to balance youth with veteran leadership. These moves align with broader trends in college basketball, where the transfer portal plays an increasingly critical role in shaping rosters. Although Freeman opted for Auburn, Tennessee continues its pursuit of excellence by strategically addressing positional needs through targeted acquisitions, ensuring they remain competitive in the highly contested SEC landscape.