Auburn begins its 2025 college football season on Friday evening in Waco, Texas, as the Tigers battle the Baylor Bears in an SEC-Big 12 matchup.
Hugh Freeze and his squad are attempting to return to winning ways after two consecutive losing seasons, including a 5-7 record in 2024. The talent is there for the Tigers to make a jump in their record, and it begins with the showdown against the Bears.
With so many new names and faces on the Auburn football roster, let's take a look at who the most important players are for each side of the ball, now with defense.
Keldric Faulk (DE) - One of the top defensive players in all of college football, Faulk looks to continue being a monster in his junior, and likely final, season of college football. He's a matchup nightmare for many and can disturb any offense. In 2024, he recorded 11 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. Don't be surprised if those numbers aren't even higher this season.
Champ Anthony (FS) - Anthony was on his way to a big 2024 season before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 4 against Arkansas. The Fort Worth, Texas, native is back and ready to make some receivers pay. Getting his services back will only make this talented secondary even better.
Kayin Lee (CB) - Now a veteran, Lee has two years of experience under his belt and can be All-SEC if things go well for him. Last year, he came down with two interceptions while breaking up seven passes.
Robert Woodyard Jr. (LB) - The junior has slowly worked his way up the depth chart to being a starter and key contributor at the middle level for DJ Durkin's defense. There are some new names at the linebacker position, but Woodyard is one that Auburn fans should be familiar with and get to know even better this season.
Demarcus Riddick (SAM) - As a freshman, Riddick showed signs of being a dominant player, chasing down quarterbacks and making life hard for them to get out of the pocket. Not playing as many snaps as he will in 2025, Riddick was still able to put up 27 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, three sacks, two quarterback hurries and a pass broken up.
Notable others: Jay Crawford (CB), Kaleb Harris (S), Malik Blocton (DT)