Spring preview: Linebackers are a team strength for the Auburn Tigers
With players such as Xavier Atkins, Elijah Melendez, and Demarcus Riddick returning, expect Auburn's LBs to be one of the best in the SEC.
Going into the 2025 college football season, the position with the most youth was the linebackers for the Auburn Tigers . Now, for 2026, it is one of the more experienced groups on the roster. The Tigers will return some key members on the defense from a year ago, with Xavier Atkins, Demarcus Riddick, and Elijah Melendez.
They are also the unit on that side of the ball that is coached by defensive coordinator D. J. Durkin.
Head coach Alex Golesh has praised Durkin and the defense and expressed the joy he has working with him. Overall, the defense has much more experience than the offense. While they did have some portal departures, they also had some key players return to the team.
The return of Xavier Atkins is the biggest return for the linebackers. In his first season with Auburn , he led the team with 84 tackles and nine sacks. He also had one interception and two forced fumbles.