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The Auburn Tigers are expected to have another good defense in 2026.

Despite massive coaching changes this offseason, led by new head coach Alex Golesh, defensive coordinator DJ Durkin returns with strong retention on the roster. 

In the latest Auburn Roundtable, the staff discusses the biggest storylines, closing out fall camp and heading into Week 1 against the Baylor Bears. 

Is the Tigers' pass rush still your main concern entering the regular season? 

Zac Blackerby: Yes, for sure. Depth is a question. And we won't know if Auburn's set at that spot truly until Florida comes to town. If they suffer another injury, that spot gets very thin. 

Christian Rauh: I would say yes, but my confidence is quickly growing on the unit. Unfortunately, JJ Faulk's injury is a huge blow to this room. The players at the top of the two-deep, like Jared Smith, are going to be even more important for Auburn's success this season. 

How do you predict Auburn will get all these talented linebackers on the field? 

Zac Blackerby: I think you'll see a ton of Xavier Atkins and Elijah Melendez. How they use Bryce Deas will be fascinating. His ability is too special to keep off the field. 

Christian Rauh: Deas is certainly the one that I'm paying attention to when it comes to tracking his usage. Golesh stated that he's been playing multiple different positions and has been discussed in a positive light after both scrimmages this fall. I think he has a chance to be one of the breakout players on this defense this season. 

What spot in the secondary do you have the biggest question about? 

Zac Blackerby: I guess outside corner? I feel pretty solid about the entire DB room. They will just need a pass rush to help them out.

Christian Rauh: Whatever the "fifth spot" will be. And the question is more of a curiosity. Golesh and Durkin have both discussed the versatility of many of these players in the secondary, where they can play corner, safety, or anywhere back there for Auburn's defense. How will that work when it comes to putting which players in at what times? 

What will it take for this defense to be better than last year's under DJ Durkin?

Zac Blackerby: Pass rush. Linebacker play and DB play seem to be there. Auburn has to impact the passer.

Christian Rauh: How about a curveball of an answer and go with a better offense! Last year, Auburn's defense wasn't helped at all when the Tigers' offense couldn't extend drives. The defense was on the field way too much and never had a chance to truly succeed, even though they kept them in ball games throughout SEC play. Now that we expect Byrum Brown and the offense to be much better this year, I think the defense will naturally show that they're even more elite. 

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