𝑩𝑰𝑮 𝑺𝑯𝑶𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑹: Nation’s No. 1 Recruit Stuns Basketball World, Commits to Auburn Over Powerhouse Programs in Monumental Victory for Tigers
In a jaw-dropping twist that’s already being dubbed one of the most shocking recruiting moments in recent college basketball history, the nation’s No. 1 recruit, 6’9″ forward Malik “MJ” Dorsey, announced his commitment to Auburn University, spurning blue blood offers from Oklahoma, Penn State, and Texas. The five-star phenom’s decision has sent shockwaves across the NCAA landscape and lit a fire under the already surging Auburn Tigers basketball program.
“This is where I want to build something special,” Dorsey said during his nationally televised commitment ceremony held at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. “Auburn believed in me from day one—not just as a player, but as a leader, a student, and a young man. I want to be part of a culture that’s ready to explode, and Auburn is that place.”
A dominant force on both ends of the floor, Dorsey averaged 27.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game during his senior year at Windham Prep in New Jersey. With a wingspan approaching 7’3″, elite footwork, and a refined shooting touch out to the three-point line, scouts compare his game to a hybrid of Kevin Durant and Jaren Jackson Jr. ESPN Recruiting ranked Dorsey as the top overall player in the 2025 class, and his commitment is widely seen as a turning point for Auburn’s national trajectory.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl, visibly emotional after the announcement, called it “a defining moment for Auburn basketball and the SEC.”
“This is a message to the rest of the country,” Pearl said. “We’re not here to just compete—we’re here to win championships. MJ is the type of player who transforms programs, and he chose Auburn because of the brotherhood we’ve built, the community support, and the chance to make history.”
Dorsey’s decision shocked recruiting insiders who had long pegged Texas and Oklahoma as co-favorites. Penn State surged late in the process, offering a lucrative NIL package and strong academic incentives. However, Auburn’s consistent messaging, family-first culture, and strong NIL infrastructure—headlined by the “War Eagle Collective”—helped seal the deal.
Sources close to Dorsey say he was also moved by Auburn’s commitment to off-court development. During his official visit, he spent time with Auburn’s School of Business leadership and toured the “Tiger Life Center,” a state-of-the-art student-athlete development facility. “They treated my future like it mattered beyond basketball,” he said.
Social media erupted following the announcement. Auburn fans flooded Twitter with celebratory videos, while former Tigers star Jabari Smith Jr. tweeted: “AUBURN LANDING MJ DORSEY?! Legacy loading. Watch out NCAA 👀🔥”
In addition to Dorsey, Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks No. 2 nationally, trailing only Duke. Analysts believe Dorsey’s commitment could spark a domino effect, with several other top-25 recruits reportedly interested in teaming up with him on The Plains.
As for Dorsey, he’s already thinking big. “We’re going to bring a title to Auburn,” he said with confidence. “Mark my words—we’re not just going to be good. We’re going to be unforgettable.”
And with that, the balance of power in college basketball may have just shifted—for good.
