Auburn football is gearing up for the 2025 season with high expectations for its defense, especially after making defensive coordinator DJ Durkin one of the highest-paid coordinators in college football. The Tigers’ defense showed promise in 2024, finishing 28th in points allowed per game and 31st in yards allowed per game. With a mix of returning veterans and emerging talent, Auburn’s defense is poised to take another step forward. Here are the top returning defensive players to watch:
Keldric Faulk, DL
Faulk is a cornerstone of Auburn’s defensive line, coming off a standout sophomore season with 45 tackles, 7 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss. His performances against Kentucky and Cal showcased his ability to dominate games, earning him SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. Faulk’s consistency and playmaking ability make him a key leader for the Tigers in 2025.
Demarcus Riddick, LB
Riddick made an immediate impact as a freshman, recording 27 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. His speed and downhill playstyle have drawn praise from former Auburn players, including Eugene Asante, who predicts Riddick will blossom into a star. Expect Riddick to take on a larger role as a starter this season.
Malik Blocton, DL
Blocton emerged as a reliable contributor on the defensive line, finishing his freshman year with 16 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 4 tackles for loss. His strong debut against Alabama A&M and subsequent starts demonstrated his potential to be a disruptive force in the trenches.
Jay Crawford, DB
Crawford earned SEC All-Freshman honors after stepping into a starting role midway through the season. He recorded 15 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 8 pass deflections, including his first interception against Kentucky. Crawford’s coverage skills and maturity make him a rising star in Auburn’s secondary.
Keyron Crawford, LB
A transfer outside linebacker, Crawford showed flashes of his potential in Durkin’s scheme. Despite limited stats (18 tackles), his performance against Kentucky, where he earned the highest defensive grade on the team, hints at a breakout season in 2025.
Kaleb Harris, S
Harris was a steady presence in the secondary, tallying 48 tackles and 3 pass breakups. His nine-tackle performance in the Iron Bowl, along with a forced fumble, highlighted his ability to step up in big moments. Teammates praise his maturity and work ethic, predicting a standout sophomore year.
Sylvester Smith, S
Smith started six games as a freshman, finishing with 29 tackles and a 33-yard interception against Arkansas. His versatility and playmaking ability position him as a key contributor in Auburn’s secondary alongside Harris and Jay Crawford.
Champ Anthony, DB
Anthony’s season was cut short by a leg injury, but he showed promise early on, earning a captaincy and recording a team-high six tackles against New Mexico. If healthy, Anthony could reclaim a starting role and provide depth in the secondary.
Auburn’s defense will look to build on its 2024 success with a mix of experienced leaders and young talent. The first day of spring practice is scheduled for March 25, offering a glimpse of what’s to come for the Tigers in 2025.
