As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes are on how DJ Durkin’s defense will evolve in year three under Hugh Freeze. While Auburn fans have plenty of reason to be optimistic about the Tigers’ defensive front and secondary, it’s the linebacker unit that may hold the key to whether this group can take the leap into top-10 territory.
Projected Starters
Keyron Crawford – Buck Linebacker
Senior – 6’4″ – 246lbs
334 snaps in 2024 | 1 sack | 4 QB hits | 21 hurries
Keyron Crawford steps into the starting Buck linebacker role this season after a solid 2024 campaign in a rotational role. Known for his quickness and versatility, Crawford brings experience and explosiveness to a position vital for Auburn’s pass rush. Though DJ Durkin used him in coverage at times last season, Crawford’s primary responsibility will now shift to getting after the quarterback.
His ability to generate pressure was evident with 21 hurries last season—second only to Keldric Falk. With Jalen McLeod gone, Crawford has a golden opportunity to not only become a leader on this defense but also elevate his NFL draft stock. The War Rapport crew believes 2025 could be a money year for Crawford, provided he stays consistent and learns to finish more plays.
“Crawford is the guy I’ve got penciled in at Buck. This is a pivotal year for him—he’s got the tools, now it’s about execution and leadership.” – Ike Jones
Demarcus Riddick – Will Linebacker
Sophomore – 6’2″ – 225lbs
239 Snaps in 2024 | Elite athleticism | High-impact potential
Demarcus Riddick might be Auburn’s most intriguing defensive weapon. After flashing brilliance in sub-packages last year—particularly in the “rabbit” package designed to get speed on the field—he’s now in line for a full-time role at Will linebacker. A freakish athlete with elite speed and instincts, Riddick still needs to clean up the mental side of his game. He’s known to go 100 mph—even if it’s in the wrong direction.
Still, the upside is immense. Coaches and analysts alike expect a major year-two leap, and Mike G is bullish enough to project Riddick as a potential Second-Team All-SEC selection by season’s end. If he puts it all together, he could become a household name not just in the SEC, but nationally.
“He’s my Malcolm Simmons of the defense—raw, freaky athletic, and impossible to keep off the field. He’s got star written all over him.” – Mike G
Caleb Wheatland – Mike Linebacker
Senior – 6’1″ – 227lbs
Transfer from Maryland | 466 snaps in 2024 | 4 sacks | 7 hurries
Wheatland may not have the flash of Riddick, but he brings something Auburn desperately needs in the middle of the defense: stability and experience. A veteran of 13 games at Maryland last season, Wheatland comes in as a coach-on-the-field type who may wear the green dot and be responsible for defensive communication.
His arrival sets up an intriguing battle with Robert Woodyard, who has the higher ceiling but less game experience. Wheatland likely wins the starting nod thanks to his reliability and quick learning curve. He’ll be critical in helping Auburn fix its third-down woes—especially in short-yardage situations where last year’s linebackers too often missed assignments or gaps.
“Wheatland gives you a safer floor. He might not be a game wrecker, but he’s smart, solid, and ready to contribute right away.” – Ike Jones
Next Men Up: Key Depth Pieces
While the starting trio will set the tone, Auburn’s linebacker room has been quietly stockpiled with athletic, high-upside players who could push for snaps throughout the season.
Robert Woodyard
Former 4-star recruit with all the tools to push for playing time at Mike. If Wheatland stumbles or if Auburn needs more pop in the middle, Woodyard could take over.
Elijah Melendez
True freshman and physical specimen. According to Mike G, he’s already built like a future SEC star and reminds him of Malik Blockton with how physically ready he looks out of high school.
DJ Barber
Hard-nosed downhill thumper from last year’s class. He fits the mold of a run-stopper who could thrive in short-yardage or goal-line packages.
Chris Murray
Transfer from Sam Houston State. A bit of an unknown, but his tape suggests he’s capable of carving out a rotational role, especially on early downs.
Jamonta Waller
A raw but extremely athletic edge-type linebacker who could eventually play Buck. Has some Jalen McLeod traits and could contribute in packages designed for speed and aggression.
Joe Phillips
A name that’s fallen off some radars, but still has potential at Buck. He’s got the tools, but needs to show more consistency to break into the rotation.
Xavier Atkins
Transfer from LSU with high boom-or-bust potential. Didn’t see much action with the Tigers but is hungry and ultra-athletic. If he hits, it could be in a big way.
“If I had to bet on a surprise breakout from the backups, I’m going with Xavier Atkins. He’s going to boom or bust—but if he booms, watch out.” – Ike Jones
Why Linebacker Play Will Make or Break Auburn’s Defense
In 2024, Auburn struggled to get off the field on third downs—especially third-and-short. Too often, missed tackles and poor gap integrity led to long, draining drives. DJ Durkin’s scheme relies heavily on linebacker discipline and communication, and the 2025 success of the defense will be directly tied to how well this group plays.
With games against Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Georgia in the first six weeks, Auburn needs to come out strong. Mike G has made it clear: they must go 4–2 in that stretch to set up a special season. That won’t happen unless the linebacker group makes the leap from potential to production.
“The offense may start slow, but this defense can keep Auburn in games early. The linebackers have to be the bridge.” – Mike G
Final Thoughts
Auburn’s linebacker room in 2025 is full of talent, but unproven at the top level. If Keyron Crawford can lead the pass rush, Demarcus Riddick takes the next step toward stardom, and Caleb Wheatland stabilizes the middle, this defense could be elite. Depth will be key as the season progresses, and several younger players are poised to step into larger roles if needed.
The foundation is there—now it’s time to see if this group can live up to the hype.
🎥 Watch the full breakdown on YouTube:
👉 Auburn Express: Linebacker Preview
🎧 Listen on Spotify:
🎧 Auburn Express Podcast – War Rapport
