Breaking News: Auburn Men’s Track & Field Team Eyes NCAA Glory in Eugene…

 


Auburn Men’s Track & Field Team Eyes NCAA Glory in Eugene

AUBURN, Ala. – Makanakaishe Charamba is heading into his final collegiate meet with one goal in mind: helping Auburn University secure the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship title they narrowly missed last year.

“If we can come back with a trophy, it’ll be a dream come true,” Charamba said. “I’m in a great rhythm right now, enjoying every moment and doing everything I can to help our team succeed.”

After earning second place nationally in 2024, the No. 6-ranked Auburn men’s track and field team is back at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, aiming to take the top spot in the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships, which run from Wednesday through Saturday.

“We’re trying to carry over the momentum from last year,” said Charamba, a member of the 2024 national champion 4×100-meter relay team. “We want to put on a show, execute at the highest level, and put ourselves in the best position to win it all.”

Though small in size—just six sprinters and three throwers—the Auburn squad is stacked with talent and determination.

“This group is special,” Charamba said. “It’s all about hard work. We’ve been grinding daily, and now it’s time to showcase everything we’ve trained for.”

Charamba enters the meet as the nation’s top-ranked 200-meter runner, thanks to a blazing school-record time of 19.92 seconds at the SEC Outdoor Championships. He’s joined in the 4×100-meter relay by teammates Dario Matau, Azeem Fahmi, and Kayinsola Ajayi, all returning to defend their title.

“The main difference this year is the pressure,” said assistant head coach Ken Harnden. “Last year, no one expected us to win. Now we’re the team to beat. But that experience, especially over the summer, has made them stronger and smarter. They understand the stakes.”

“It’s a blessing to be part of this team,” said Fahmi. “Our goal is to repeat. We’re even better than last year, and we’re ready to prove it. We welcome the pressure—it means we’re where we want to be.”

Both Ajayi and freshman Israel Okon will compete in the 100 meters as well. Ajayi, who earned bronze in last year’s event and was part of the gold medal 4×100 squad, feels ready.

“I trust my coach and feel confident about where I’m headed,” Ajayi said. “Being part of the Auburn family has been incredible—no regrets at all.”

“They’re more than teammates—they’re my brothers,” Okon added. “I love the atmosphere and support system we have here.”

Sophomore hurdler Ja’Kobe Tharp is also looking to make history. After winning the 60-meter hurdles at the 2025 NCAA Indoor Championships, Tharp is aiming to become just the seventh Auburn athlete to win both indoor and outdoor NCAA titles in the same season.

He finished second in the 110-meter hurdles last year as a freshman and is focused on consistency this time around.

“You can’t be perfect with hurdles, and that’s okay,” Tharp said. “I like that there’s always something to improve. If I get a strong start, I know I’ll be in the mix.”

On the field side, Auburn will be represented by three elite throwers: Kyle Brown and Kyle Moison in the hammer throw, and Seth Allen in the discus. Allen, a transfer from Purdue, enters the meet after winning the Big Ten title in 2024.

“Being here means everything,” Allen said. “I tend to perform better the second time around, and I’m ready to break some records while representing Auburn. I want to help bring that national title home.”

The hammer throw will mark the final collegiate appearance for both Brown and Moison, who are closing their careers together—fittingly, as Brown was Moison’s host during his recruitment visit.

“There’s been a lot of ups and downs,” Moison said. “I’m proud to wear the Auburn jersey one last time and give it everything.”

“Finishing my career on the biggest stage is amazing,” Brown added. “It’s a full-circle moment for us, and we’re locked in and ready.”

Assistant coach Pat Ebel praised the trio for earning their spots on the national stage.

“Kyle Brown is a coach’s dream after five years in the program,” Ebel said. “Moison is a fierce competitor—he’s always in it, no matter what. And Seth Allen just hit a new personal best to win regionals. He’s seeded fourth and is ready for even bigger throws.”

Unlike in 2024, when the Tigers shocked the nation by jumping from 68th place in 2023 to a runner-up finish, this year’s Auburn squad arrives with a target on its back.

“Everyone knows we’re contenders now,” said Matau. “We’re embracing that pressure. Not everyone gets to be in this position. We push and support one another. This team is something special.”

“They’ll come prepared because they know we’re coming,” added Tharp. “But we’ve been working nonstop since the fall. We’re even more ready than before. We know what’s coming, and we’ll be ready to respond.


 

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