Auburn’s defense was one of the most consistent and disruptive units in the country last season, and it looks like they’re not slowing down anytime soon. With defensive coordinator DJ Durkin staying on board under new head coach Alex Golesh, the Tigers are reloading-not rebuilding-thanks to a strategic haul in the transfer portal. Thirteen new defensive additions join a solid core of returners, creating a unit that’s deep, talented, and ready to compete in the SEC trenches once again.
Here’s a breakdown of Auburn’s defensive position groups after their latest portal pickups-and why this group could be even more dangerous in 2026.
1. Edge Rusher: A New Wave of Disruption
Auburn lost its top two defensive ends and top two buck linebackers from last year’s roster, but the Tigers didn’t waste any time restocking the edge. They brought in two players with SEC experience who are more than capable of stepping into big roles: Da’Shawn Womack and Nate Johnson.
Womack, who spent time at LSU before transferring to Ole Miss, brings a steady track record of production. In his lone season with the Rebels, he posted 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. His time at LSU wasn’t flashy, but it laid the foundation for what he became in Oxford: a physical, high-motor presence off the edge.
Then there’s Nate Johnson, a Missouri transfer who showed real flashes at Appalachian State before making the jump to the SEC. Back in 2023, Johnson racked up 42 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. While his time at Missouri was limited, the upside is clear-he’s a proven pass rusher with the kind of explosiveness Auburn needs to replace last year’s production.
These two give Auburn a legitimate one-two punch on the edge, and with Durkin’s aggressive scheme, expect them to be unleashed early and often.
2. Cornerback: Depth, Competition, and a Youth Movement
The Tigers lost both starting corners to SEC rivals, but the secondary didn’t stay thin for long. Auburn brought in five new faces at cornerback, and now the room is loaded with experience, upside, and competition.
Andre Jordan, a UCLA transfer, might be the most game-ready of the bunch. He played in all 12 games and started eight for the Bruins in 2025, notching 19 tackles and 10 pass breakups-good enough to earn All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors.
He’s physical, he’s smart, and he knows how to stay in phase with receivers. That’s exactly what Auburn needs in a conference loaded with elite wideouts.
Shamar Arnoux, coming in from Florida State, brings more Power 4 experience. He logged 345 snaps for the Seminoles, per Pro Football Focus, and should be in the mix for serious playing time.
But it’s not just about the veterans. Auburn is also building for the future with young talents like Gavin Jenkins, Scrap Richardson, and Kamari Todd.
These three are long-term investments, but don’t be surprised if one of them makes a push for the two-deep by fall camp. The cornerback room might be the most competitive on the roster heading into spring.
3. Defensive Line: Rebuilt from the Ground Up
No position group saw more turnover than the defensive line. Auburn lost most of its interior defenders to graduation or the portal, but the Tigers responded by bringing in a trio of intriguing additions.
Walter Mathis Jr. is the headliner. The LSU transfer only had nine tackles as a true freshman, but his frame (6’2”, 285 pounds) and athleticism give him a high ceiling. He’s not expected to be an every-down guy just yet, but in certain matchups-especially on passing downs-he could be a real problem.
Saint Farrior adds experience and size to the middle of the line. After two seasons at Hampton and one at Appalachian State, Farrior brings a grown-man presence to the trenches. He’s expected to be the anchor in the middle, helping clog up running lanes and keep linebackers clean.
Then there’s Cody Sigler, the first defensive lineman Auburn pulled from the portal. He’s coming off a strong season at Arkansas State where he posted 35 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six pass deflections, and five sacks. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, and he’ll have a chance to earn a key role in the rotation right away.
4. Safety: High Impact, Low Quantity
Auburn only added two safeties via the portal, but both bring starting-caliber upside and could make an immediate impact.
Fred Gaskin III was the emotional and statistical leader of USF’s defense last season. He racked up 49 tackles, two interceptions, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble-earning first-team All-AAC honors in the process. Now reunited with his former coach, Gaskin is expected to bring leadership, physicality, and versatility to the Tigers’ secondary.
Jack Luttrell is a bit more of a wild card. After a quiet 2025 season at Arizona (three games, three tackles), he’s looking to bounce back to his 2024 form, when he tallied 39 tackles, four pass breakups, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.
If he can return to that level, Luttrell could become a valuable rotational piece or even push for a starting job. But it’ll take a strong spring to get there.
With young returners like Eric Winters and AnQuon Fegans also in the mix, Auburn’s safety group has a nice blend of experience and youth. Don’t be surprised if this unit becomes one of the more consistent parts of the defense.
5. Linebacker: A Quiet Addition, But a Smart One
Auburn only brought in one linebacker through the portal, but it was a calculated move. Micheal Mathews-Canty arrives from Hampton with two years of eligibility and a redshirt season in his back pocket. He’s not expected to start right away, but he gives the Tigers valuable depth and long-term insurance.
Mathews-Canty was productive last season, finishing with 78 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. As a true freshman, he flashed early with 24 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in just five games.
He joins a linebacker room that’s already in solid shape, with Xavier Atkins, Demarcus Riddick, Elijah Melendez, and Bryce Deas returning. That gives Auburn a steady, battle-tested core, and Mathews-Canty can take his time adjusting to the SEC level while learning from a strong group ahead of him.
Final Thoughts
Auburn’s defense didn’t just survive the portal-it thrived in it. With a mix of proven SEC experience, high-upside transfers, and promising young talent, this unit is shaping up to be one of the most well-rounded groups in the conference.
Durkin’s return provides continuity, and with Golesh now at the helm, there’s a clear vision for how this team wants to play: fast, physical, and fearless. If the new pieces come together as expected, don’t be surprised if Auburn’s defense once again becomes the backbone of a team looking to make noise in the SEC.