While Auburn’s offensive depth chart is full of newcomers via the transfer portal, DJ Durkin’s defense returns a lot of talent from a group that finished 29th in college football last year in yards allowed per game, giving up just 329.2.
Obviously, Durkin's retention by new head coach Alex Golesh helped keep a lot of talent on the Plains, including All-SEC linebacker Xavier Atkins and a large part of the secondary, but the Tigers still needed to fill some pieces, especially along the defensive line.
With spring practice over, here’s a look at how Auburn’s defensive depth chart could stand when the Tigers battle Baylor in Atlanta to start the 2026 season.
Defensive End
Starter: Da’Shawn Womack
As a junior at Ole Miss, Womack put up 4.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks while forcing seven quarterback hurries and a fumble. He’s a solid piece that the Tigers added this offseason.
Backups: Nate Johnson, Darrion Smith
Nose Tackle
Starter: Dallas Walker
In a limited role last season, the Nashville native recorded 13 total tackles with a forced fumble.
Backup: Jourdin Crawford
Defensive Tackle
Starter: Cody Sigler
Golesh has been nothing but impressed by the Arkansas State transfer.
“From an effort standpoint, we knew what we were getting in that regard,” the head coach said. “I'm talking about a cool story of a young guy from D2 to Arkansas State to here. That dude wants to be here. That dude wants to be really good.”
Backup: Malik Autry
BUCK
Starter: Jared Smith
The Birmingham native saw some playing time as a freshman, but will now be counted on to be a key producer for Durkin’s defense.
Backup: Chris Murray, J.J. Faulk
Linebackers
Starters: Xavier Atkins, Elijah Melendez
Atkins returns after an All-SEC season in which he totaled 84 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, seven quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and an interception. Melendez loves to hit people, making him a force in his second year on the Plains.
Backups: Demarcus Riddick, Bryce Deas, Michael Matthews-Canty
Safeties
Starters: Kaleb Harris, Champ Anthony
If Anthony can stay healthy, the combination of him and Harris is near the top of safety duos in the SEC. Winters, Matthews and Toodle are all prepared to produce as well.
Backups: Eric Winters, Jacoby Mathews, Shadrick Toodle.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Rayshawn Pleasant, Andre Jordan Jr.
Pleasant returns after intercepting two passes last season, returning one for a touchdown, while also having a big role on special teams. Jordan arrives with experience, having played in 30 games during his time at both Oregon State and UCLA.
Backups: Gavin Jenkins, Blake Woodby
Nickleback
Starter: Sylvester Smith
Smith seemed to finally see things click for him last season, and that should serve him well in his junior season. Fegans is a talent that will be hard to keep off the field, though.
Backup: AnQuon Fegans
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