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2026 Defensive Outlook
Posted on 1/14/26 at 12:48 pm
Posted on 1/14/26 at 12:48 pm
Buck/Edge: J. Smith(So)
D. Womack(Sr)
N. Johnson(Sr)
JJ Faulk(RFr)
J. Phillips(RFr)
J. Wilkes(Fr)
Group rating: B-
Jared Smith will be a breakout star this next season, imo. Bringing Womack in is huge. We could use maybe one or two more pass rushers, although Faulk and Phillips have a chance to step up. Look for D. Smith and Buddy Mathis to potentially play more in this group.
DT: C. Sigler(Sr?)
W. Mathis Jr(So)
M. Autry(So)
D. Smith(So)
J. Crawford(So)
S. Farrior(Jr)
C. Wells(Fr)
T. Branch(Fr)
D. Walker(Sr)?
Group rating: B
Our young guns are extremely talented and will play a lot but we could use a few more experienced big bodies. Especially if D. Smith and Buddy play more outside and slides over. Walker would be a key addition if he were to return. Could be the surprise position group this fall.
WLB: X. Atkins(Jr)
D. Riddick(Jr)
S. Toodle(Fr)
MLB: E. Melendez(So)
B. Deas(So)
A. Balogoun-Ali(Fr)
M. Mathews-Canty(Jr)
Group rating: A+
Easily our best position group. Could have multiple All-Americans in this group when all is said and done, and they all bring something a lil bit different, which allows them to play great situational defense.
CB: A. Jordan Jr(Sr)
R. Pleasant(Sr)
S. Arnoux(So)
B. Woodby(So)
S. Richardson(RFr)
G. Jenkins(RFr)
Group rating: B
Seems like we have a depth chart full of CB2s, which it could be worse. Jordan brings a lot of good experience. Here is to hoping they play collectively like a CB1. We’re starting to see a pattern of tall, rangy corners to fit the outsides and more players at S that can cover inside.
NB/S: S. Smith(Jr)
C. Anthony(Sr)
F. Gaskins(Sr)
K. Harris(Jr)
J. Luttrell(Jr)
E. Winters(So)
A. Fegans(So)
K. Todd(So)
Group rating: A
We have experience, talent and potential, and all of them are going to play a lot. They have the versatility to cover, blitz and scheme run fits at a high level with these playmakers.
Overall, I think this defense has a chance to be great. Elite, if we could add a pass rusher or two.
Overall defensive rating: A-
D. Womack(Sr)
N. Johnson(Sr)
JJ Faulk(RFr)
J. Phillips(RFr)
J. Wilkes(Fr)
Group rating: B-
Jared Smith will be a breakout star this next season, imo. Bringing Womack in is huge. We could use maybe one or two more pass rushers, although Faulk and Phillips have a chance to step up. Look for D. Smith and Buddy Mathis to potentially play more in this group.
DT: C. Sigler(Sr?)
W. Mathis Jr(So)
M. Autry(So)
D. Smith(So)
J. Crawford(So)
S. Farrior(Jr)
C. Wells(Fr)
T. Branch(Fr)
D. Walker(Sr)?
Group rating: B
Our young guns are extremely talented and will play a lot but we could use a few more experienced big bodies. Especially if D. Smith and Buddy play more outside and slides over. Walker would be a key addition if he were to return. Could be the surprise position group this fall.
WLB: X. Atkins(Jr)
D. Riddick(Jr)
S. Toodle(Fr)
MLB: E. Melendez(So)
B. Deas(So)
A. Balogoun-Ali(Fr)
M. Mathews-Canty(Jr)
Group rating: A+
Easily our best position group. Could have multiple All-Americans in this group when all is said and done, and they all bring something a lil bit different, which allows them to play great situational defense.
CB: A. Jordan Jr(Sr)
R. Pleasant(Sr)
S. Arnoux(So)
B. Woodby(So)
S. Richardson(RFr)
G. Jenkins(RFr)
Group rating: B
Seems like we have a depth chart full of CB2s, which it could be worse. Jordan brings a lot of good experience. Here is to hoping they play collectively like a CB1. We’re starting to see a pattern of tall, rangy corners to fit the outsides and more players at S that can cover inside.
NB/S: S. Smith(Jr)
C. Anthony(Sr)
F. Gaskins(Sr)
K. Harris(Jr)
J. Luttrell(Jr)
E. Winters(So)
A. Fegans(So)
K. Todd(So)
Group rating: A
We have experience, talent and potential, and all of them are going to play a lot. They have the versatility to cover, blitz and scheme run fits at a high level with these playmakers.
Overall, I think this defense has a chance to be great. Elite, if we could add a pass rusher or two.
Overall defensive rating: A-
This post was edited on 1/23/26 at 5:45 pm
3
Posted on 1/14/26 at 1:41 pm to TigerProwl24
I think a D is a bit harsh for the buck/edge.
J Smith - 5* (on further inspection, looks like he got demoted to 4*)
JJ Faulk - 4*
J. Wilkes - 4*
J Phillips - 4*
N. Johnson - 3*
C. Wells - 3*
Inexperienced, yes. Not without talent though. Phillips will be a R-So I believe.
ETA: Just hypothetically if the two deep was Smith, Faulk, Wilkes, and Phillips in any order, that is 2 top 75 players and 2 top 150 players in their classes.
J Smith - 5* (on further inspection, looks like he got demoted to 4*)
JJ Faulk - 4*
J. Wilkes - 4*
J Phillips - 4*
N. Johnson - 3*
C. Wells - 3*
Inexperienced, yes. Not without talent though. Phillips will be a R-So I believe.
ETA: Just hypothetically if the two deep was Smith, Faulk, Wilkes, and Phillips in any order, that is 2 top 75 players and 2 top 150 players in their classes.
This post was edited on 1/14/26 at 2:03 pm
Posted on 1/14/26 at 1:45 pm to GoCrazyAuburn
You think Wilkes would jump Phillips?
Posted on 1/14/26 at 1:48 pm to AU_Nomad
Was just listing people, wasn't meant to be a depth chart. However, from what i've heard about Wilkes, I think he is going to be a stud.
Posted on 1/14/26 at 3:06 pm to GoCrazyAuburn
quote:
I think a D is a bit harsh for the buck/edge
Yeah, very well could be. They are talented but the lack of experience is why, after thinking about who is going to replace the snaps left behind of Faulk, Amaris, Crawford and Murray. A ton of snaps that you’d like to fill with more experienced players
Posted on 1/16/26 at 3:37 pm to GoCrazyAuburn
I might as well keep this up to date. I added the most recent
Posted on 1/16/26 at 9:55 pm to TigerProwl24
I'm not as positive here. I'd guess overall rating B.
Posted on 1/17/26 at 8:02 pm to jangalang
quote:
I'm not as positive here
Tell us why, I’m interested to know
Posted on 1/17/26 at 8:08 pm to TigerProwl24
i'm not excited about the line or the cornerbacks. Dont think we upgraded at either.
Posted on 1/18/26 at 9:45 am to TigerProwl24
One announcer comment that struck me was that Durkin plays a lot of defensive players to keep them fresh and give them a chance to prove themselves.
Posted on 1/18/26 at 1:51 pm to Auburn1968
Durkin and Golesh both like to play a ton of players
Posted on 1/18/26 at 8:52 pm to TigerProwl24
Hokanson says McGriff is moving on after he and Golesh could not agree to terms on an off the field fundraising role.
Posted on 1/18/26 at 9:07 pm to jangalang
So DVD, is a Crime dog disciple, isn’t he?
Posted on 1/19/26 at 6:19 pm to TigerProwl24
quote:
Durkin and Golesh both like to play a ton of players
I'm happy to hear that. Seems like it is a way to turn eager and fresh 3*s into 4*s for a few minutes and build real depth.
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