In a political twist that’s rocking both college basketball and Alabama politics, NBA legend Charles Barkley has thrown his full weight behind Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl — should he decide to run for the U.S. Senate.
Pearl hasn’t declared any intention to run, but Barkley made it clear: if his longtime friend makes the leap into politics, he won’t be doing it alone.
“If he wants to run, I’m gonna support him 100%,” Barkley told AL.com. “I respect and trust him… he’s made Auburn basketball relevant, which makes me happy.”
That’s no small praise coming from Barkley, a former Auburn star himself and one of Alabama’s most influential voices. He also made it clear he doesn’t want Pearl to abandon the hardwood. “You taking Auburn to two Final Fours — something I never thought would happen… but I do understand.”
The Senate seat in question will soon be up for grabs as Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, another former college football coach, is expected to launch a campaign for Alabama governor in 2026. With Tuberville stepping aside, speculation is swirling around possible GOP contenders. Pearl’s name is quickly gaining steam.
While the 64-year-old coach hasn’t announced any political ambitions, he’s become increasingly vocal in recent years, especially about foreign policy and national security. Pearl, who is Jewish, has emerged as one of the loudest pro-Israel voices in college athletics — particularly following the Oct. 7 terror attacks.
He even praised President Donald Trump’s Middle East diplomacy, calling for Trump to receive a Nobel Peace Prize following the Israel-Iran ceasefire announcement earlier this year.
“Trump made the world safer,” Pearl said during an appearance on Fox News. “His policies worked. We saw results.”
Pearl currently chairs the U.S. Israel Education Association, further cementing his growing presence in political and policy circles.
Still, Barkley knows what’s at stake. “It would hurt the program if Bruce left,” he admitted. Pearl has gone 246-125 in 11 seasons at Auburn and turned a struggling program into a national powerhouse. Two Final Four runs in five years speak for themselves.
But with growing conservative buzz and increasing dissatisfaction with the current political class, Pearl could find himself in a position Tuberville once knew well — transitioning from the sidelines to the Senate floor.
So far, Pearl has stayed quiet about his future. But with Barkley in his corner and an open seat in a deep-red state, the temptation may prove too great.
Stay tuned — Alabama politics could be about to tip off.
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