Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Chad Baker-Mazara Sends Strong 3-Word Message to Auburn After Transferring to USC

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Harris | Last updated May 11, 2025 8:58 PM ET

Chad Baker-Mazara was a vital piece of the Auburn Tigers as they appeared in the Final Four in the 2024-25 season before losing to the eventual national champion Florida Gators.

Shortly after the season ended, he entered the transfer portal which eventually landed him in the Big Ten with the USC Trojans, who have been putting together an incredible recruiting class.

After two incredible seasons at Auburn after coming from Duquesne and San Diego State had some news for Tigers fans as he just completed his senior year.

Auburn held their graduation ceremony where Baker-Mazara was the last name called, and attendees erupted in cheers.

Baker-Mazara responded to the video of his name being called with a strong three-word message.

"Forever War Eagle!!" said Baker-Mazara.

For the past two years, and especially this past year, he has been the heart and soul of the Tigers team who spent a majority of this season as the best team in college basketball.

Awarded the No. 1 overall seed, he, Johni Broome, and Bruce Pearl's squad looked poised to cut down the nets in San Antonio until they ran into the red hot Florida squad led by Walter Clayton Jr.

He now heads to the Trojans, who currently have the No. 6 recruiting class in the country, according to On3.

Five-star guard Alijah Arenas, the son of NBA legend Gilbert Arenas, headlines the class with just two incoming freshman alongside four-star guard Jerry Easter.

Those two recruits combined with seven transfers, six of which are four-stars, make the incoming class built with very high expectations as the Trojans entire roster is about to be shifted.

Baker-Mazara will be expected to have the same role in Auburn as the heart and soul of the squad that looks to have a much better 2025 campaign, and potentially go on a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: