Barkley Backs Pearl for Senate Run

Auburn coach may have political future.

Should **Bruce Pearl** ever decide to trade the basketball court for the Senate floor, he’ll have at least one very prominent supporter. **Charles Barkley** recently voiced his enthusiastic endorsement of the **Auburn** head coach for a potential U.S. Senate run.

Barkley’s Bold Endorsement

**Tommy Tuberville**’s 2026 gubernatorial bid for Alabama has fueled speculation about who might succeed him in the Senate, with **Pearl**’s name surfacing as a contender.

According to AL.com, **Barkley** told **Roy S. Johnson** that he respects and trusts **Pearl**, encouraging him to pursue his aspirations. The former NBA star added, “Obviously, he’s made Auburn basketball relevant, which makes me happy.”

Moreover, **Barkley** stated, “Hey, man, as much as I love you being the head basketball coach at Auburn, you taking Auburn to two Final Fours, something I never thought would happen, but I do understand. If he wants to run, I’m gonna support him 100%.”

Tuberville Eyes Governor’s Office

**Tuberville** seems well-positioned for a gubernatorial victory. As of 2024, the Republican party holds 27 of the 50 governorships in the United States, demonstrating considerable political strength at the state level (Ballotpedia).

Pearl’s Focus Remains on Hoops

Despite the buzz, **Pearl** recently indicated that he’s not currently interested in a Senate seat. Furthermore, with several candidates already campaigning, he would face an uphill battle to establish the necessary campaign infrastructure.

For now, **Pearl** seems content to continue building his legacy at **Auburn**, where he remains focused on clinching that elusive national title.