Story by
Freshman Caleb Williams poised for immediate impact at Auburn
- Story by
- Freshman Caleb Williams poised for immediate impact at Auburn
Of all the new additions to Auburn men's basketball's roster for the 2026-27 season, freshman Caleb Williams could make the biggest impact.
The 6-5 guard scored 14 points in Auburn's 80-68 win over Samford in an exhibition at Neville Arena on Thursday, following an 11-point effort in last week's game with Alabama in "The Feud." Williams' progress over Auburn's final two preseason games is an encouraging sign for Auburn head coach Steven Pearl, who pointed out after Thursday's game that Williams has gotten more comfortable on the floor since he scored only four points in Auburn's preseason opener against Florida State.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Pearl also gave Auburn fans a taste of what to expect from Williams as the season gets underway next Wednesday.
"(Williams) doesn't play like a freshman, which is very encouraging," Pearl said postgame. "He is going to continue to grow and get better. He is incredibly coachable, which it really helps when a freshman is willing to take the coaching the way he does."
Williams has also caught his teammates' attention during preseason play. Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford says Williams listens to the advice he and his teammates share, and is always working to improve.
"He started to get his confidence throughout these games, and we told him, 'play your game, be yourself'. If you feel like you got the shot, take that shot," Pettiford said. "He is probably one of the hardest workers on this team. He's always in the gym. One guy that you know, whenever the time is up, he's going to be ready to play."
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Williams signed with Auburn as a four-star shooting guard in the 2026 recruiting cycle and is poised to make an immediate impact for the Tigers this season, especially now that Mantas Rubštavičius is no longer a part of Auburn's roster. Williams, the youngest player on Auburn's experienced roster, will get a chance to prove his worth this season, beginning next Wednesday when the Tigers face Southeastern Louisiana in Neville Arena.
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) dunks the ball during warm ups as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl takes the court as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers center Bukky Oboye (12) dunks the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl talks with his team as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers center Narcisse Ngoy (94) attempts a dunk as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Blake Muschalek (21) and Samford Bulldogs guard Cade Norris (5) fight for a loose ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers forward Adam Olsen (24) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Samford Bulldogs forward Braeden Macvicar (13) and Auburn Tigers center Bukky Oboye (12) fight for a rebound as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Blake Muschalek (21) goes up for a layup pn Samford Bulldogs guard Brandon Fussell (14) as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) goes up for a layup over Samford Bulldogs guard Ty Davis (9) as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) celebrates a defensive stop as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) hugs Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard George Kimble III (3) and Samford Bulldogs guard Cade Norris (5) dive for a loose ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) celebrates a score as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) goes up for a layup as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl talks with his team as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers forward Adam Olsen (24) fouls Samford Bulldogs guard Cooper Noard (1) as they tie up for the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers forward Thomas Dowd (5) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) goes up for a layup as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers forward Adam Olsen (24) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl and Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen shake hands as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers team huddles up after the game as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) during warm ups before Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) dunks the ball during warm ups as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl takes the court as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers center Bukky Oboye (12) dunks the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
6
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl talks with his team as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
7
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers center Narcisse Ngoy (94) attempts a dunk as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Blake Muschalek (21) and Samford Bulldogs guard Cade Norris (5) fight for a loose ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
11
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
12
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers forward Adam Olsen (24) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
13
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
14
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
15
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Samford Bulldogs forward Braeden Macvicar (13) and Auburn Tigers center Bukky Oboye (12) fight for a rebound as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
16
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Blake Muschalek (21) goes up for a layup pn Samford Bulldogs guard Brandon Fussell (14) as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) goes up for a layup over Samford Bulldogs guard Ty Davis (9) as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) celebrates a defensive stop as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
19
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) hugs Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
20
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard George Kimble III (3) and Samford Bulldogs guard Cade Norris (5) dive for a loose ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
21
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) celebrates a score as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers lead Samford Bulldogs 35-24 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
22
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) goes up for a layup as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
23
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
24
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl talks with his team as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
25
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers forward Adam Olsen (24) fouls Samford Bulldogs guard Cooper Noard (1) as they tie up for the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
26
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers forward Thomas Dowd (5) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
27
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) goes up for a layup as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
28
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
29
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers forward Adam Olsen (24) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
30
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl and Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen shake hands as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
31
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
32
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) drives the ball as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
33
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers team huddles up after the game as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
34
/34
Photos: Auburn basketball tops Samford in preseason exhibition
Auburn Tigers guard Caleb Williams (2) takes a jump shot as Auburn Tigers takes on Samford Bulldogs at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Samford Bulldogs 80-68.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Taylor Jones is the lead writer for Auburn Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) and BlueSky . Follow Auburn Wire on X and Facebook .
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Freshman Caleb Williams poised for immediate impact at Auburn
