Auburn's Loaded Linebacker Room Is Even Deeper Than Expected

The Auburn Tigers linebacker room might be significantly deeper than expected.

And that could give DJ Durkin plenty of options in 2026.

The Tigers entered fall camp already feeling pretty good about the top of the linebacker room. Xavier Atkins is coming off an All-American season, while Elijah Melendez showed plenty of potential during his freshman year.

But what has happened behind those two throughout fall camp is making this group much more interesting.

However, it still starts with Atkins.

He established himself as one of Auburn's best defensive players last season and enters 2026 with plenty of expectations. But neither Atkins nor Melendez seems particularly interested in what happened last year.

"We look at it like we haven't earned anything," Melendez said.

Melendez has also taken another step.

Linebackers coach Brad Wilson has praised his growth as a leader and communicator, while also making it pretty clear the physicality hasn't gone anywhere.

Then there's De'Marcus Riddick.

Riddick has dealt with shoulder issues for much of the last two years and hasn't really been able to train the way he wanted.

Now he's healthy again.

And Auburn might finally get an opportunity to see what Riddick can become when his body isn't holding him back.

Bryce Deas has been another major development.

Deas has become one of the biggest risers of Auburn's fall camp, with Alex Golesh specifically mentioning him following the Tigers' second scrimmage.

 I'm willing to say that Deas should be considered for the defensive MVP of Auburn's fall camp. 

Melendez called Deas "one of the best athletes I've ever been around."

Auburn believes he can play all three linebacker positions and potentially Buck, giving Durkin another player he can move around based on matchups.

Atkins and Melendez might lead the room, but Riddick getting healthy and Deas emerging and developing gives Auburn considerably more flexibility behind them.

Durkin wants to rotate players.

He wants versatility.

And he wants enough depth to keep Auburn's defense fresh throughout an SEC schedule.

Auburn's linebacker room already had talent.

 And when they're able to roam freely, which seems likely, with the growing optimistic views of the interior defensive line and the edge rushers in front of them, there may not be a better linebacker room in the country. 

Now it's starting to look like it has legitimate depth, too.

And that could make this position one of the biggest strengths on Auburn's defense in 2026.