The No. 19 Vanderbilt Commodores (19-4, 6-4 SEC) travel to Neville Arena on Tuesday night to face Auburn (14-9, 5-5 SEC), where the Tigers have sold out 78 consecutive games and are averaging 92.5 points at home.
Can the ‘Dores get the win they so desperately need? Our Vanderbilt vs. Auburn prediction includes projected starting lineups, a full score forecast, and analysis for this exciting SEC showdown.
Vanderbilt vs. Auburn Projected Lineups and Key Matchups
Vanderbilt Commodores Starting Lineup
- G Tyler Tanner
- G Mike James
- F Tyler Nickel
- F AK Okereke
- C Devin McGlockton
Auburn Tigers Starting Lineup
- G Tahaad Pettiford
- G Kevin Overton
- F Keyshawn Hall
- F KeShawn Murphy
- C Sebastian Williams-Adams
Vanderbilt vs. Auburn Prediction and Preview
This game comes down to one question: Can Tyler Tanner do it all against Auburn’s length and athleticism?
Tanner has been magnificent, but 37 points weren’t enough to beat Oklahoma at home. On the road at Auburn, against a team with the defensive personnel to throw multiple looks at him, he’ll need even more. Without Duke Miles’ secondary creation and Frankie Collins’ defensive disruption, Vanderbilt’s margin for error is razor-thin.
Auburn’s offensive rebounding will be a problem. The Tigers generate second chances at an elite rate, and Vanderbilt has been outrebounded in several recent games. Devin McGlockton can only do so much. If Auburn gets 10-plus offensive boards, the extra possessions will add up.
Keyshawn Hall is the matchup nightmare. At 6’7″, he can post up smaller guards and blow by bigger forwards. AK Okereke will try to contain him, but Hall’s ability to draw fouls could put Vanderbilt in foul trouble early. The Tigers attempted 22 free throws against Alabama; if that number climbs against a shorthanded Vanderbilt rotation, it’s trouble.
MORE: PFSN Men’s CBB Power Rankings: Michigan Gaining Steam as March Madness Edges Closer
The one thing working in Vanderbilt’s favor: Auburn’s perimeter defense isn’t elite, and Tyler Nickel remains one of the nation’s best shooters. If he gets clean looks, he can keep the Commodores in it. Tanner will find ways to create, and Vanderbilt’s pace should generate transition opportunities.
But The Jungle is unforgiving, and Auburn has too much firepower for a Vanderbilt team running a six-man rotation. Hall and Tahaad Pettiford will combine for 45-plus, KeShawn Murphy will control the glass, and the home crowd will make every close call feel like a gut punch.
Vanderbilt fights hard but can’t overcome the depth disadvantage on the road.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 78, Auburn 84
How To Watch Vanderbilt vs. Auburn
- Date: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Auburn, AL
- Arena: Neville Arena
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Streaming: ESPN+, ESPN App
