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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)
N. Johnson(Sr)
JJ Faulk(RFr)
J. Phillips(RFr)
J. Wilkes(Fr)
Group rating: D+
This group would be an F, if it weren’t for J. Smith, who I think is a breakout star this next season. We need 1-2 more pass rushers at least. Faulk and Phillips have a chance to step up. Look for D. Smith and Buddy Mathis to potentially play more in this group. A few pass rushers could bring this group up to as high as a B depending on who it is.
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.
MLB: X. Atkins(Jr)
D. Riddick(Jr)
S. Toodle(Fr)
WLB: E. Melendez(So)
B. Deas(So)
A. Balogoun-Ali(Fr)
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)
E. Winters(So)
A. Fegans(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-
N. Johnson(Sr)
JJ Faulk(RFr)
J. Phillips(RFr)
J. Wilkes(Fr)
Group rating: D+
This group would be an F, if it weren’t for J. Smith, who I think is a breakout star this next season. We need 1-2 more pass rushers at least. Faulk and Phillips have a chance to step up. Look for D. Smith and Buddy Mathis to potentially play more in this group. A few pass rushers could bring this group up to as high as a B depending on who it is.
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.
MLB: X. Atkins(Jr)
D. Riddick(Jr)
S. Toodle(Fr)
WLB: E. Melendez(So)
B. Deas(So)
A. Balogoun-Ali(Fr)
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)
E. Winters(So)
A. Fegans(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 1/16/26 at 5:04 pm
2
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.
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