Auburn’s offseason on defense is shaping up to be a busy one-and not in the way the Tigers were hoping. Despite retaining defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, the program is bracing for a wave of departures, with several key players planning to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Friday. That means Auburn’s going to need reinforcements, and fast.
While the rebuild won’t be quite as extensive as what’s happening on the offensive side, the Tigers are still staring down a significant reload on defense. Let’s break down the biggest needs by position group-and where Auburn will need to get aggressive in the portal to stay competitive in the SEC.
1. Defensive Line: The Epicenter of the Rebuild
Players out (9): Keldric Faulk, Bobby Jamison-Travis, Dallas Walker IV, Zykeivous Walker, Jay Hardy, James Ash, Malik Blocton, Amaris Williams, Antonio Coleman
Let’s not sugarcoat it-Auburn’s defensive line is getting gutted. Nine players are on the way out, including multiple contributors and high-upside talents.
Faulk was always expected to make the jump to the NFL, but the portal entries of Blocton and Williams sting. Those are young, talented players who were expected to be part of the next wave up front.
The Tigers are now in scramble mode to rebuild the trenches. Jourdin Crawford, Malik Autry and Darrion Smith offer some returning stability, but depth and experience are serious concerns-especially in a conference where line play often dictates who wins and who doesn’t.
Replacing Faulk’s edge presence is a tall order, and if Williams doesn’t return, the hole at defensive end gets even deeper. Expect Auburn to hit the portal hard for both interior linemen and edge defenders. They’ll need multiple bodies, and not just for depth-they need guys who can contribute right away.
2. Buck Linebacker: Starting From Scratch
Players out (3): Keyron Crawford, Chris Murray, Jamonta Waller
The buck linebacker spot-essentially Auburn’s hybrid edge rusher role-is looking like a clean slate. Crawford and Murray are out of eligibility, and Waller, a promising young backup, is heading to the portal. That leaves Joe Phillips as the lone returner, and he hasn’t played a snap in two seasons.
That’s not just a depth issue-it’s a production issue. Auburn needs to reload this position with urgency, and ideally, they’ll land at least one proven pass rusher who can help generate pressure off the edge.
In the SEC, if you can’t get after the quarterback, you’re in trouble. This group is arguably just as important as the defensive line when it comes to Auburn’s ability to compete in 2026.
3. Cornerback: Experienced Starters Out the Door
Players out (5): Jay Crawford, Kayin Lee, Raion Strader, Donovan Starr, A’mon Lane-Ganus
This one’s a gut punch. Crawford and Lee weren’t just starters-they were fixtures in Auburn’s secondary the last two seasons.
With both entering the portal, Auburn loses a ton of experience and leadership on the outside. And with five corners expected to leave, the depth chart is suddenly razor thin.
Rayshawn Pleasant is still around, and that’s a big plus-he played a major role in 2025 and brings some much-needed continuity. But Auburn didn’t sign any freshman corners, so the portal is going to have to do the heavy lifting here.
One name to watch is Jonas Duclona, who was USF’s top-graded corner in 2025 according to Pro Football Focus. He’s expected to transfer and could be a strong fit.
But he’s just one piece. Auburn will need multiple corners to replenish a group that’s been hit hard.
4. Safety: Not Urgent, But Still a Need
Players out (2): Jahquez Robinson, Kensley Louidor-Faustin
Compared to other spots, safety isn’t in crisis mode-but there’s still work to do. Robinson and Louidor-Faustin both contributed in 2025, and their departures open the door for new faces to step in.
The good news? Auburn has a solid group returning.
Kaleb Harris, Champ Anthony, Sylvester Smith, AnQuon Fegans and Eric Winters are all expected back, giving the Tigers a strong foundation. That said, nothing’s guaranteed until the portal window closes, so depth is still something to monitor.
If Auburn adds a safety or two, it’ll likely be more about rounding out the rotation than filling glaring holes. Keep an eye on Fred Gaskin and Jarvis Lee-both are expected to transfer from USF and could be solid additions if the Tigers choose to bolster the back end.
5. Linebacker: Holding Steady With Star Power
This is where things are looking up. Auburn’s biggest win on defense so far this offseason?
Retaining All-American linebacker Xavier Atkins. That alone gives the Tigers a strong anchor in the middle of the field.
Yes, they’re losing a starter in Woodyard, but with Elijah Melendez and Demarcus Riddick sticking around, the core of the linebacker unit remains intact. That’s a big deal in a year when so many other groups are in flux.
Add in three freshman signees, and Auburn’s numbers at linebacker are in a good spot heading into 2026. It’s one of the few areas where the Tigers can feel confident right now.
Final Thoughts
Auburn’s defense isn’t starting from scratch, but it’s not far off either. The Tigers are facing a critical stretch in the transfer portal, especially along the defensive line and at buck linebacker, where the depth chart has been stripped bare. The secondary, particularly at cornerback, also needs a serious influx of talent.
The good news? There’s still time-and opportunity-to reshape this unit before next season.
But the urgency is real. In the SEC, you don’t get much time to rebuild.
You reload, or you fall behind.