Perhaps the biggest signing Alex Golesh did when he took the Auburn head coaching job was not in the transfer portal or in recruiting, but keeping D.J. Durkin on as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator.
While Auburn’s offense continued to struggle last season, Durkin’s defense kept the Tigers in many games and gave them a chance to win. Now, with hopefully an improved and explosive offense led by quarterback Byrum Brown, the defense will make an even bigger impact as Auburn tries to turn the tables.
We all know what Xavier Atkins is capable of, but who are the other players on Auburn’s defense that are critical in making Durkin’s unit just as fearsome this season? Here are my five.
Elijah Melendez
Melendez showed flashes of his talent as a freshman, picking off two passes while racking up three tackles for a loss and a sack. Now, opposite Atkins, he will have to be consistent, and someone Durkin can count on at the second level of the defense. Melendez absolutely loves to hit people, making him the prototypical college linebacker.
Cody Sigler
The Arkansas State transfer earned rave reviews from almost everyone during spring practice, especially defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams.
"He's a dog, man," the coach said. "The competition stuff, there's no excuse. He's taking double reps, taking someone else's reps, not making any excuses about it, and still winning. He's a dog. He's going to bring a competitiveness to our room that I think is going to be big and what's needed. Cody is going to be a big part of what we accomplish this year."
The veteran recorded seven tackles for a loss and five sacks with six quarterback hurries last year. He will be critical to Auburn’s pass rush.
MORE: 5 players other than Bryum Brown who are crucial for Auburn's offense in 2026
Rayshawn Pleasant
With Kayin Lee leaving this offseason for Tennessee, Pleasant steps right into the cornerback role opposite Andre Jordan Jr., who transferred in from UCLA. While he played a bit of corner last season, he will have to step up in a massive way while also handling his duties on special teams. He can be a dangerous defender, and if he picks off a ball and has an open field in front of him, no one is going to catch him.
Eric Winters
The Enterprise, Ala., native got thrown into the fire as a freshman last season and should be even better after tallying 33 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, a sack and a pass broken up. His offseason in the gym put some weight on his 6-foot-2 frame, and he will be ready to be one of the most feared safeties in the SEC.
Da’Shawn Womack
Chances are, Womack won’t have the same impact that Keldric Faulk had in his three years on the Plains, but someone has to step into the shoes of the first-round draft pick. While he has been in college already for three seasons and has appeared in 35 games, none have come as a starter. For Auburn to pressure the quarterback, he has to raise his game.
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