Auburn’s secondary is entering 2026 with a fresh slate - and a whole lot of questions. After losing both starting cornerbacks from last season, the Tigers are in full rebuild mode at one of the most critical positions on the field.
It’s a tall task, but new cornerbacks coach DeMarcus Van Dyke isn’t backing down from the challenge. In fact, he’s embracing it.
Van Dyke, who arrived on the Plains alongside head coach Alex Golesh from USF, inherits a room that’s been hit hard by the transfer portal. Kayin Lee is now at Tennessee.
Jay Crawford took his talents to Ole Miss. That’s a pair of starting-caliber corners gone in one offseason - and a massive void to fill for a defense trying to re-establish its identity in the SEC.
So what’s the plan? Van Dyke made it clear this week: he’s not just looking for two starters - he’s building a rotation.
“Obviously, at one time you play the two corners, but I usually rotate four guys,” Van Dyke said. “Just because in this day and age you can't play just two guys the whole game - they'll get tired. … I'm looking for the best 4-5 to compete and go from there."
It’s a modern approach that reflects the reality of today’s college game. With tempo offenses, deep receiver rooms, and physical demands that only get tougher as the season wears on, depth isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Van Dyke knows that, and he’s structuring his cornerback room accordingly.
The good news? He’s got options.
While the Tigers may not return their top two from last year, the room isn’t empty. Auburn hit the portal hard this offseason, and there’s a mix of transfers, young talent, and returning depth that could emerge during spring and fall camp.
The competition will be wide open, and Van Dyke is looking for more than just raw athleticism - he wants guys who can handle the mental side of the position, too.
That means understanding leverage, reading route combinations, and having the short memory required to bounce back after getting beat - because in the SEC, that’s going to happen. It’s about who can respond, who can stay locked in, and who can bring consistency over four quarters.
Van Dyke’s experience as a former NFL corner and his recent coaching work at USF give him a sharp eye for what works at this level. His emphasis on a four-to-five man rotation isn’t just about fatigue - it’s about keeping fresh legs on the field, matching up with different receiver types, and having the flexibility to adapt mid-game. It’s a strategy that could pay dividends down the stretch, especially in a league where one busted coverage can flip a game.
So while Auburn’s cornerback group may be starting from scratch, the foundation is being laid with purpose. Van Dyke isn’t just looking to plug holes - he’s building a unit that can compete, rotate, and hold up under pressure. The names may be new, but the expectations are clear.
Come fall, we’ll find out who rises to the top of that rotation. But one thing’s certain: Auburn’s corners won’t be going it alone. They’ll be part of a deeper, more dynamic group - one that reflects the evolving demands of the game and the vision of a coach who knows exactly what it takes to thrive in the back end.