AUBURN | With Signing Day complete and Auburn already adding 14 players from the portal and losing 13, there will be a lot of personnel turnover as the spring semester begins on January 13th.

The Tigers still have some work to do to fill the portal, but are almost finished building the roster for next fall.

Below is a look at a potential defensive depth chart with AU’s returning players and new additions from the 2025 class and the portal…

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

1. Malik Blocton, So. (6-3, 291)

2. Antonio Coleman, TFr. (6-2, 270) -OR-

2. Malik Autry, TFr. (6-6, 325)

Nose hook

1. Quientrail Jamison-Travis, Sr. (6-4, 293)

2. Dallas Walker, Sr. (6-4, 318)

3. Jourdin Crawford, TFr. (6-2, 325)

DEFENSIVE END

1. Keldric Faulk, Jr. (6-6, 288)

2. Amaris Williams, So. (6-2, 269)

3. Darrion Smith, TFr, (6-2, 265)

Walker has been an important addition at noseguard and Crawford looks like a rookie who will be ready to contribute right away. Blocton started as a newbie, but the depth of experience is a bit low and AU is looking to the portal for help. Faulk is AU’s best defender and can also slide inside to attack. Williams could have a breakout season. Both Faulk and Williams can also play Buck.

BUCK LINEBACKER

1. Keyron Crawford, Sr. (6-4, 245)

2. Jamonta Waller, RFr. (6-0, 243) -OR-

2. Joe Phillips, RFr. (6-2, 251) -OR-

2. Jared Smith, TFr. (6-6, 245)

Auburn continues to look for an experienced edge to add to a young group. Crawford could certainly take a step forward in the offseason, while Waller and/or Phillips will have a chance to win a spot in the rotation this spring. And don’t be surprised if Smith quickly moves up the depth chart. He may be the most talented of the group.

INNER LINEBACKER

1. Robert Woodyard, Jr. (6-0, 220)

2. DJ Barber, RFr. (5-11, 226) -OR-

2. Elijah Melendez, TFr. (6-2, 225)

INNER LINEBACKER

1. Demarcus Riddick, So. (6-2, 217)

2. Xavier Atkins, So. (6-0, 210)

3. JJ Faulk, TFr. (6-3, 230) -OR-

3. Bryce Deas, TFr. (6-2, 215)

Atkins was a highly recruited junior who played as a true freshman at LSU. Auburn signed three talented linebackers in the ’25 class and at least two of the three are expected to contribute immediately. Riddick was a standout player as a freshman and Woodyard saw his first significant action last fall.

CORNERBACK

1. Kayin Lee, Jr. (5-11, 181)

2. Tyler Scott, So. (6-1, 199) -OR-

2. Donovan Starr, TFr. (6-0, 175)

4. Devin Williams, TFr. (5-10, 170)

CORNERBACK

1. Jay Crawford, Sun. (5-11, 179)

2. Raion Strader, Jr. (6-0, 182) -OR-

2. Blake Woodby, TFr. (5-11, 180) -OR-

2. JC Hart, So. (6-2, 199)

STAR (NICKEL)

1. Champ Anthony, Jr. (5-11, 182) -OR-

1. Sylvester Smith, So. (6-0, 192)

3. Kensley Louidor-Faustin, Sun. (5-11, 177)

Strader brings important depth of experience. Both Scott and Anthony are recovering from their injuries. Scott should be close to returning to spring practices, while Anthony will likely be there later in the summer. Lee returns with plenty of starting experience and Crawford played like a freshman All-American when he entered the starting lineup last fall. All defensive backs are very versatile and many are capable of playing two or three different positions.

FIELD SAFETY

1. Kaleb Harris, So. (6-1, 201)

2. A’Mon Lane-Ganus, RFr. (5-10, 179) -OR-

2. Newboy Fegans, TFr. (6-1, 185)

BORDER SECURITY

1. Terrance Love, Jr. (6-2, 220) –OR-

1. Taye Seymore, Jr. (5-11, 205) -OR-

1. Jahquez Robinson, Sr. (6-2, 205) -OR-

1. Eric Winters, TFr. (6-2, 205)

Harris earned a starting spot as a true freshman this fall and, similar to Crawford, played at a very high level. The other starting position and all backup jobs are completely up for grabs. Don’t be surprised if Fegans or Winters wins one of these starting spots at some point. They are two of Australia’s most talented 25s signings. Of the other returning players, Love has the most experience and will likely start with the first team in the spring. Seymore was a quality addition from Georgia Tech who will compete for immediate playing time and potentially the starting job.

UPDATED DEPTH MAP: VIOLATIONS