Tahaad Pettiford will be an Auburn Tiger. The five-star point guard from Jersey City, New Jersey announced his commitment on Tuesday afternoon, picking the Tigers from his seven finalists.

He’s the second member of Bruce Pearl’s 2024 class, joining four-star center Peyton Marshall. He’s a 5-foot-11, 160-pounder ranked 22nd on the 247Sports Composite and No. 2 point guard in his class. His other contenders were Seton Hall, Ole Miss, Kansas, Kentucky, Connecticut and UCLA.

“I’ll be starting my next chapter at Auburn University,” Pettiford announced from Hudson (N.J.) Catholic on the 247Sports Youtube channel.

Pettiford, who visited the Plains on an official visit on Sept. 17, credited that trip as part of his decision, citing the campus as a “second home.” It’s the second year in a row that Auburn has earned a commitment from one of the country’s top point guards. California’s Aden Holloway signed his letter of intent for the class of 2023 in November.

Pettiford had surgery two months ago to repair a torn meniscus. He hopes to rejoin his high school team later this season in the playoffs. When healthy, Pettiford showcased his skills as a solid dribbler with good vision and elite shooting. The lefty would pair well with another blue-chip guard Labaron Philon. The Baker point guard is ranked 41st nationally and has the Tigers among his finalists.

Philon is announcing on Friday and is predicted to join Pettiford and Marshall on the Plains. The trio would give Auburn the No. 3 class in the 247Sports Composite team rankings and best in the SEC.

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].