Top Returning Defensive Players for Auburn Football in 2025
As Auburn football looks to build on its success and continue to strengthen its roster under head coach Hugh Freeze, the defense will play a crucial role in the team’s overall success in 2025. With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and emerging young talents, Auburn’s defense is shaping up to be one of the program’s key strengths moving forward. As the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, here are the top returning defensive players who are poised to make a significant impact.
1. Austin Keys – Linebacker
Austin Keys is one of the most promising returning linebackers for Auburn in 2025. After transferring from Ole Miss, Keys made an immediate impact in the Tigers’ defense in 2024, and he’s expected to be a cornerstone of the unit heading into the 2025 season. Known for his sideline-to-sideline range and ability to make plays both in the run game and in coverage, Keys has established himself as a defensive leader.
As a tackling machine with good instincts, he’s capable of being a disruptor at the second level of the defense. His leadership and experience, combined with his high football IQ, make him a key asset for Auburn’s defense in 2025. Expect him to be the vocal leader of the linebacker corps and a player who will be tasked with setting the tone for the defense each week.
2. Jalen McLeod – Edge Rusher
Jalen McLeod, the standout edge rusher from App State, transferred to Auburn with a ton of hype. After showing flashes of his potential in 2024, McLeod is set to return in 2025 and should be one of Auburn’s most dynamic defensive players. As a pass rusher, McLeod’s burst off the line of scrimmage and his ability to create pressure on quarterbacks make him a vital part of the defense.
With his ability to get into the backfield quickly, McLeod will be key to Auburn’s pass rush in 2025. His versatility as both a pass rusher and a run stopper provides valuable depth for Auburn’s defensive line, and he’ll be looked at to be a consistent disruptor all season long. With another year to settle into his role, McLeod should be poised for a breakout season.
3. Keldric Faulk – Defensive End
As one of the highest-ranked recruits in recent years, Keldric Faulk is a player that Auburn fans are eager to watch. Faulk showed flashes of his potential as a true freshman and will be a major contributor on the defensive line in 2025. Standing at 6’6” and possessing great athleticism for his size, Faulk is a disruptive force capable of both rushing the passer and stopping the run.
In 2024, he demonstrated his ability to be a difference-maker in the trenches, and with another year of experience under his belt, Faulk should only improve. His combination of strength, speed, and explosiveness make him a player who can cause havoc in the backfield, and Auburn will be counting on him to step up and become a leader on the defensive front.
4. Nehemiah Pritchett – Cornerback
Nehemiah Pritchett has been a steady presence in Auburn’s secondary, and as one of the top returning defensive backs in 2025, he’ll play an important role in the Tigers’ defense. Pritchett has earned a reputation as a lockdown corner who can cover some of the best wide receivers in the SEC. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate routes makes him a valuable asset to Auburn’s defense.
In 2025, Pritchett is expected to take on a larger leadership role in the secondary. He has the speed and agility to keep up with receivers downfield and is a reliable tackler when it comes to run support. With the passing game becoming more critical in college football, Pritchett’s ability to shut down wideouts and make plays on the ball will be essential to Auburn’s success on defense.
5. Cam Riley – Linebacker
Cam Riley is another key returning linebacker who will anchor Auburn’s defense in 2025. Riley has a strong build and excels at being both a tackler and a coverage linebacker. His ability to cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game sets him apart from other linebackers. Riley’s consistency in making plays, particularly in key moments, will be crucial for Auburn’s defense in 2025.
After gaining significant experience over the past few seasons, Riley is expected to step into a more prominent role in the middle of the defense, providing leadership, coverage skills, and the ability to fill running lanes. His knowledge of the defensive schemes and his leadership will be invaluable in helping guide the younger players in the linebacker group.
6. Jaylin Simpson – Cornerback
A versatile and dynamic player in Auburn’s secondary, Jaylin Simpson is set to return as one of the top cornerbacks in 2025. Simpson has demonstrated his ability to be a shutdown corner, and with his speed, athleticism, and instincts, he is expected to continue being a key player for the Tigers. His ability to track the ball in the air and win physical battles with wide receivers will be important for Auburn’s pass defense.
Simpson is known for his ability to make plays on the ball, whether it’s breaking up passes or snagging interceptions. His experience and maturity in the secondary will be critical in handling some of the toughest receiving corps in the SEC. Look for Simpson to continue building on his already solid foundation as one of the conference’s top cornerbacks.
7. Marcus Harris – Defensive Tackle
Marcus Harris is one of the most experienced returning players on Auburn’s defense, and his presence on the defensive line is crucial in 2025. Harris is a steady force in the middle of Auburn’s defensive line and is known for his ability to stop the run, clog up the middle, and create pressure on the quarterback. With his physicality and quickness, Harris is a force to be reckoned with in the trenches.
In 2025, Harris will continue to be a key component of Auburn’s defense, particularly in controlling the line of scrimmage. He will need to use his leadership and experience to guide the younger players and help set the tone in both the run game and pass rush. His presence in the middle of the line will be critical in making Auburn’s defense a tough unit to break down.
8. Jeremiah Cobb – Safety
One of the most underrated players on Auburn’s defense, Jeremiah Cobb is expected to return as a standout safety in 2025. Known for his hard-hitting ability and versatility in the secondary, Cobb will continue to be an important player in both pass coverage and run support. His ability to read plays, track the ball, and make key tackles will give Auburn an added edge in the defensive backfield.
Cobb’s ability to contribute in a variety of ways will be valuable in a defense that prides itself on versatility. His leadership and knowledge of the game will help keep Auburn’s secondary sharp, and he could play a major role in helping the team shut down high-powered offenses in the SEC.
9. Zykeivous Walker – Defensive End
Zykeivous Walker is another important player returning to Auburn’s defensive line in 2025. After a strong showing in 2024, Walker is poised to be a disruptive force as a defensive end. With his quickness off the edge and his ability to make tackles for loss, Walker will play a key role in Auburn’s pass rush.
Walker’s combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a difficult player to block, and he’ll be expected to provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His continued development will be essential for Auburn’s defense to remain competitive in the tough SEC.
A Defense Poised for Success
As Auburn heads into the 2025 season, the defense looks to be a strength of the team. With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented young players, the Tigers have the potential to develop one of the top defenses in the SEC. Players like Austin Keys, Jalen McLeod, and Keldric Faulk will be key leaders on the defensive side of the ball, while younger players like Jeremiah Cobb and Zykeivous Walker are ready to step up and make their mark.
With Hugh Freeze building a program that emphasizes balance on both sides of the ball, Auburn’s defense will be expected to complement the offense and help push the team toward SEC and national relevance. If the returning players continue to develop and stay healthy, Auburn could have one of the top defensive units in the conference in 2025, setting the stage for a successful season.