There are two situations facing Auburn with the new head coach hire: they can get someone new, and that coach will have to recruit every player to stay on the Plains, or they hire DJ Durkin, and much of the defense will remain intact.
If the latter is the case, next year's defense could be extremely special. If it is the former, the new guy will have to show the guy who has played under Durkin during the last two seasons why they should stay.
With Keldric Faulk all but gone after this season for a career in the NFL, here are the five players that will be critical for Durkin or the new head coach to keep for 2026.
Xavier Atkins (LB)
LSU's loss was Auburn's gain as Atkins has come in and been a monster for Durkin's defense, leading the Tigers with 78 total tackles (57 solo) and 7.5 sacks. He also has a 73-yard interception return, which led to Auburn's only touchdown against Texas A&M. Only a sophomore, he has plenty of time for even more growth, which should scare any offense that faces Auburn next season.
Robert Woodyard Jr. (LB)
Woodyard showed glimpses of his talent last season as a freshman. In 2025, he's taken it to a new level, joining Atkins as a scary duo at the second level for Auburn's defense. The junior has 56 total tackles, with seven tackles for a loss and two sacks. Combining the two next year, with Elijah Melendez, could be massive.
Kaleb Harris (S)
Being thrown into the fire last season as a freshman helped prepare Harris for this season. Next year, he will be even more polished and, hopefully, become a leader in the locker room.
Eric Winters (S)
One of the prized recruits last year, Winters has shown promise throughout the season and will continue to get better with another year under his belt. He has all the tangibles you want in a safety.
Malik Blocton (DL)
Another young player that needs to be kept, Blocton is the future on the defensive line for the Tigers.
Other critical players: AnQuon Fegans (S), Elijah Melendez (LB), Rayshawn Pleasant (CB)