Auburn’s defense may end up leaning heavily on its second-year linemen, and that group is starting to look like a real storyline for DJ Durkin’s unit.
Last season, Malik Autry, Jourdin Crawford, Jared Smith and Darrion Smith all got their feet wet, but none of them were asked to carry major responsibilities. That changes now. They’re expected to be much more involved this fall, and they’re all in position to matter even more by the time the 2026 season rolls around.
Autry has worked through a thumb injury early in camp, but he’s still been one of the most noticeable names in the group, looking like he’s taken a step forward. Darrion Smith is another piece Auburn could use more aggressively in pass-rush situations this season.
Crawford brings a physical edge that could make him an option inside behind Dallas Walker IV. And then there’s Jared Smith, who may be one of the most important players on the entire defense because of what he can do rushing the passer and the natural talent he brings.
If Auburn can unlock that, it could change the shape of this defense.
The Tigers also added Walter Mathis Jr. from LSU as part of the sophomore class. He had a slow start in the spring while adjusting to a new system, but he has been much better in preseason and could work his way into playing time behind starter Cody Sigler.
There are older players Auburn needs to perform, but this sophomore group could end up being the key to how good the defense is this fall.
Linebacker Elijah Melendez is also trending toward a bigger role. As a true freshman last season, he played at around 225 pounds and still managed to make some plays.
Now he’s at 240 and, according to the report, probably even faster. That’s a pretty intriguing combination for a player lining up next to Auburn All-American Xavier Atkins.
Melendez gives the middle of the defense both size and punch, but he’s more than just a body in there. He’s an athlete who can make plays in space, backed up by the fact that he had two interceptions last season and four as a senior in high school. That kind of versatility is exactly what Durkin wants, and Melendez looks like a strong fit alongside Atkins, Bryce Deas and De’Marcus Riddick in year two.
On the other side of the program, Auburn women’s soccer opened in emphatic fashion Sunday night, rolling past Jacksonville State 5-0 at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
Hannah Bell scored twice in just her second game on the Plains, while Dylan Driver added an early goal. Fizz Hutton and Chloe Taylor also scored their first career goals in the lopsided win.
“I saw a top-team performance tonight,” Auburn head coach James Armstrong said after the game. “Everybody that was available to play played tonight, and I think a lot of those players took the opportunity to show what they've got.
We didn't go as deep against Clemson, so it was really important to rest some of our key players. Jacksonville State is a really possession-oriented team, so to score five goals and concede zero is something we'll take for our first win of the season.”
Auburn controlled the match from start to finish, holding a 23-4 edge in shots and putting 11 attempts on goal. The Tigers have yet to allow a goal through their first two games of the season.
Now sitting at 1-0-1 after opening with a tie against Clemson, Auburn stays home for its third and final game of the season-opening homestand Thursday against Southern Illinois. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT, and fans in attendance will receive a free Auburn soccer bucket hat while supplies last.
The match will be streamed on SEC Network+, with radio coverage on WEGL 91.1 and streaming at AuburnTigers.com. Live stats will also be available at AuburnTigers.com.
In Other News...
Auburns First Scrimmage Exposed An Early Concern For Alex Golesh
After eight days of fall camp, Auburn finally got a first look at itself in a live setting, and Alex Golesh came away with a familiar early-camp message: the Tigers are still a work in progress. The first scrimmage also brought some needed bodies back on offense after injury, giving the staff a better sense of where things stand as the preseason starts to take shape.
For Golesh, the bigger concern remained on the defensive side, where tackling has become a daily point of emphasis. Auburn has been drilling it every day, but the head coach made clear the group is still chasing the standard he wants, especially as the team moves from controlled work into more game-like situations. The scrimmage offered a useful snapshot, but also a reminder that plenty of sharpening still has to happen before September arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Auburn Defense Has A Fall Problem Fans Cant Ignore
Auburns defense is still operating with the kind of expectations that come attached to DJ Durkins track record, but the early weeks of 2026 fall practice have put a spotlight on something much more basic than scheme. Head coach Alex Golesh has acknowledged that tackling fundamentals have been an issue, a reminder that even a defense built to be reliable can get exposed when the simple stuff slips.
There are still reasons to think the unit will settle in. Sophomore Darrion Smith is emerging as a pass-rushing presence, and Auburns plan to lean heavily on the run game should help keep the defense fresher over the course of the season. Durkins recent defenses have generally been effective, but the challenge now is making sure a few rough practice moments do not linger into the part of the year that actually counts. [Read more 🡒]