Bruce Pearl, the winningest coach in Auburn basketball history, is officially in the running for one of the sport’s highest honors. On Thursday night, Pearl was named among a stacked group of eligible candidates for the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class - a list that reads like a who’s who of basketball excellence across eras, leagues, and levels.
Pearl’s inclusion is a testament to a coaching career that’s been anything but ordinary. At Auburn, he didn’t just win - he transformed the program.
Over his tenure, Pearl racked up 232 official wins (with 12 more vacated), captured three SEC regular season titles, and led the Tigers to six NCAA Tournament appearances. Most notably, he guided Auburn to two Final Fours, helping elevate the program into national relevance and turning the Tigers into a consistent threat in March.
But Pearl’s story is about more than just numbers. He brought energy, identity, and belief to a program that had long struggled to find its footing in the ultra-competitive SEC. His teams were known for their aggressive defense, up-tempo pace, and fearless attitude - a reflection of their head coach’s fiery sideline demeanor and relentless drive.
Pearl now joins a prestigious group of first-time Hall of Fame candidates that includes some serious basketball royalty. The 1996 USA Basketball Women’s National Team - a group that redefined dominance and helped launch the WNBA - headlines the list. On the men’s side, names like Mike D’Antoni, Jamal Crawford, Blake Griffin, Joe Johnson, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Doc Rivers bring a wide range of NBA impact, from innovative coaching to highlight-reel careers.
The women’s game is also well-represented with Elena Delle Donne and Candace Parker - two players who’ve not only won at every level but helped push the women’s game forward with their versatility, leadership, and star power.
Also in the mix: longtime college coaching stalwart Kelvin Sampson, Gonzaga’s Mark Few - who’s built a mid-major into a national powerhouse - and legendary broadcaster Marv Albert, whose voice has been the soundtrack to countless iconic moments.
The Hall of Fame will announce its list of finalists and the broadcast details for that reveal by Monday, February 9. The official Class of 2026 will be unveiled on Saturday, April 4, during Final Four weekend in what promises to be a celebration of basketball greatness across generations.
For Pearl, this nomination isn’t just a personal milestone - it’s a nod to the impact he’s had on Auburn, the SEC, and the broader college basketball landscape. Whether or not his name is ultimately called in April, his legacy is already cemented in the history books. Now, he’s one step closer to Springfield.