The winds of change are blowing on the Plains, but not everyone is packing up and moving on. While Auburn football enters a new era under head coach Alex Golesh, a core group of defensive returners is choosing to stay put - and that decision could be the foundation for something special.
Yes, the transfer portal has reshaped college football into a revolving door of talent. Big names come and go, often chasing NIL deals or a fast track to the pros. But Auburn’s defense is holding onto a few key anchors, and defensive coordinator DJ Durkin couldn’t be more fired up about it.
Among the returners is All-American linebacker Xavier Atkins, a player who brings both production and leadership to the table. Alongside him is sixth-year senior nose tackle Dallas Walker IV, a seasoned veteran whose presence in the trenches gives Auburn a reliable force in the middle. These two are the heartbeat of a unit that’s looking to re-establish its identity.
But it’s not just the veterans making noise. Sophomores Malik Autry and Jourdin Crawford are back in the mix, continuing their development after gaining valuable reps last season. Elijah Melendez, who earned SEC All-Freshman honors, is also returning, and he’s joined by Bryce Deas and Demarcus Riddick - young talents who’ve shown flashes and now have the opportunity to take the next step.
Durkin is bullish on what this group can become, and he’s not shy about pointing to the importance of continuity in a sport that increasingly lacks it.
“We have really, really high expectations for those guys this year and moving forward,” Durkin said. “To have them all return, still be here with us and be in that next year of development is critical.”
He’s got a point. In today’s college football landscape, development often gets overshadowed by short-term gains.
Players jump from program to program, adjusting to new coaches, schemes, and environments every year. That kind of instability can stunt growth - especially on defense, where cohesion and repetition matter just as much as raw talent.
Durkin’s philosophy is clear: stick around, put in the work, and reap the rewards. And the guys who’ve chosen to stay? They’re buying in.
“Those guys in particular, we’re expecting great things from them,” Durkin added.
Of course, there are gaps to fill. Keldric Faulk, a key piece of last year’s defense, is off to the NFL Draft.
That’s a big loss, no sugarcoating it. But the Tigers aren’t rebuilding from scratch - they’re reloading with players who know the system, trust the process, and are ready to step into bigger roles.
This isn’t just about holding the line. It’s about building something sustainable. Auburn’s defense has the pieces, and with Durkin steering the ship and a group of returners committed to the grind, the Tigers might just be laying the groundwork for a defensive resurgence.
In an age where loyalty is rare and patience even rarer, Auburn’s defense is betting on both. And that’s a storyline worth watching.