An experienced member of the Auburn Tigers' defensive line is returning for another season. In the midst of so many college players petitioning for an extra season, defensive tackle Dallas Walker IV was one of those whose wish was granted.
As new head coach Alex Golesh and his staff have been working to fill roster spots from the NCAA Transfer Portal, they received a bit of relief with the return of Walker, who will be in his seventh season this fall. His waiver was granted because, although he spent three years enrolled at Texas A&M, his first year was 2020 and didn't count due to COVID-19, he redshirted in 2021 and did not play football in 2022. Walker and the Tigers argued that not playing football in 2022 should mean he receives another year of eligibility.
Following his stint with the Aggies, Walker played two seasons at Western Kentucky before transferring to Auburn last year under Hugh Freeze.
According to Auburn Undercover, Walker is likely to be contending for a starting spot at nose tackle his season after having played the second-most snaps on the defensive line in 2025. Walker returns for the Tigers alongside rising sophomores Jourdin Crawford, Darrion Smith and Malik Autry.
There are plenty of new additions to the defensive line, including freshman signees Tavian Branch and Corey Wells. Three defensive linemen have made their way to the Plains via the transfer portal in Walter Mathis Jr. (LSU), Cody Sigler (Arkansas) and Saint Farrior (App State).