Auburn’s linebacker room is already loaded, but the Tigers may have another name ready to force his way into the conversation. CBS Sports singled out freshman Jaquez Wilkes as a player who could make noise in 2026, pointing to a skill set that fits what Auburn wants on defense.
“The Tigers have the experience to ease Wilkes into the lineup, but his talent could shorten the process,” CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford wrote. “The rangy freshman possesses the sideline-to-sideline speed and instincts that are musts for first-year contributors in this league. Coaches have been impressed with his maturity and ability to process the game, traits that often determine whether young pass rush-linebacker hybrids see the field early.”
Wilkes arrived as a former four-star prospect in the class of 2026 and was Auburn’s highest-rated commit in that cycle. He picked the Tigers over Texas A&M, Alabama, Arkansas and Florida. In the final 2026 rankings, he checked in as the No. 5 linebacker in the class and the No. 6 player from Alabama.
That kind of pedigree gives Auburn another potential difference-maker in a position group already expected to be a strength. Xavier Atkins is drawing Butkus Award buzz, while former All-SEC Freshman Demarcus Riddick, Bryce Deas and others are expected to play major roles this season.
The Tigers also have a recent track record of getting young linebackers on the field sooner than expected. Riddick was initially projected as a special teams piece in his freshman year, but he impressed the staff enough to become a starter by midseason.
Crawford sees a similar lane for Wilkes.
“Wilkes also has the versatility to help on special teams while earning defensive snaps,” he said. “By the second half of the season, he could be one of Auburn's most dependable young defenders.”
Even if Wilkes has to wait a bit before carving out a bigger role, the setup around him is strong. Auburn’s linebacker group should rank among the top three in the country, giving him a chance to learn while he develops.
There could be an opening for him early, too. Auburn’s Week 2 matchup against Southern Mississippi could give Wilkes a chance to show what he can do before conference play ramps up. If he makes an impression there, games against Florida, Vanderbilt and Tennessee could follow.
For Auburn, having too many quality linebackers is hardly a bad thing. And if DJ Durkin manages the rotation the right way, the Tigers could end up with a defense that is a nightmare for offenses in the middle of the field.
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