The linebacker position at Auburn football has long been one of the team’s most vital and competitive units. This season, with a new coaching staff under Hugh Freeze and significant changes across the roster, the linebacker group will find itself in the spotlight. What stands out most in Auburn’s linebacking corps in 2025 is the presence of familiar faces stepping into larger roles. These players will be expected to lead the defense, bring energy, and elevate the play of the entire team, both in the trenches and on the back end of the defense.
The linebacker position has seen various shifts over the years, with standout players frequently anchoring Auburn’s defense. With new leadership under Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, the expectations for the linebacker group have never been higher. Freeze’s defensive philosophy aims to blend aggressive schemes with disciplined execution, making the linebacker position even more important to the Tigers’ success. With returning players stepping into larger roles and a few exciting newcomers vying for playing time, Auburn’s linebacker room is primed to be one of the team’s strongest units in 2025.
In this analysis, we’ll break down the key players in the linebacker room, focusing on those familiar faces taking on bigger roles, position battles, and the expectations for the group as Auburn looks to become more competitive in the SEC.
The Familiar Faces: Key Returners in Larger Roles
Auburn’s linebacker group may have a mix of veterans, but it is the returning players who are stepping into larger roles that will likely shape the unit’s success. These players have already shown flashes of promise in previous seasons, but now, with more responsibility and a bigger leadership role, they will be tasked with carrying the defense and setting the tone on the field. Here are the linebackers expected to play critical roles this season:
1. Owen Pappoe (Sr.) – The Veteran Leader
Owen Pappoe, one of Auburn’s most experienced and talented linebackers, enters his senior season as the undisputed leader of the linebacker corps. A former five-star recruit, Pappoe has already shown he can be a disruptive force on defense, with his ability to cover ground quickly and make plays in both the run and passing game. Over his career at Auburn, Pappoe has demonstrated his versatility and high football IQ, becoming one of the most reliable defenders for the Tigers.
In 2025, Pappoe will be asked to take on a more prominent role in the defense under Hugh Freeze’s system. With a deeper understanding of the defense, Pappoe will be expected to not only make plays himself but also help organize the front seven and communicate with the defensive line. His ability to read offenses, diagnose plays quickly, and make tackles in space will be critical for Auburn’s success.
As one of the team’s leaders, Pappoe will be tasked with setting an example for the younger linebackers and bringing consistency to the defense. His leadership will be key in helping establish the aggressive mentality Freeze and Roberts are trying to instill in the defense.
2. Cam Riley (Jr.) – A Rising Star with Increased Expectations
Cam Riley has been a standout player for Auburn, and with increased playing time, he is poised to take on a larger role in the linebacking corps. Known for his speed, athleticism, and ability to cover ground in both the run and pass game, Riley has all the physical tools necessary to become one of the SEC’s top linebackers.
Riley showed flashes of greatness in his first two seasons at Auburn, and with his improved understanding of the game, his role will expand in 2025. As a junior, Riley will be expected to take over some of the responsibilities that Pappoe once held and assume a leadership role alongside him. Riley’s ability to rush the passer, cover running backs out of the backfield, and patrol the middle of the field in coverage will make him an invaluable piece of the defense.
In Freeze’s aggressive defensive system, Riley’s speed and range will be critical in the linebacking group’s success. If he can take the next step and become a more consistent player, Riley has the potential to become one of Auburn’s most disruptive defenders.
3. Wesley Steiner (Jr.) – The Steady Performer with a Strong Motor
Wesley Steiner may not be the most heralded linebacker on Auburn’s roster, but his steady performance and tireless work ethic make him a key component of the linebacking corps. Steiner has been with the team for several seasons and has shown great improvement, making strides in his coverage skills and run defense. While he may not have the same explosive traits as some of his peers, his consistency and high motor will be crucial to Auburn’s success on defense.
Steiner’s ability to make tackles in the open field and his relentless pursuit of the ball are assets that will make him valuable in both base packages and special teams. As the Tigers look to implement a more aggressive defense, Steiner’s experience and toughness will make him a reliable asset in Auburn’s rotation, especially in tackling situations and short-yardage situations.
With Pappoe and Riley expected to take on leadership roles, Steiner will continue to be a stabilizing presence on the field and may emerge as an underrated but effective force in Auburn’s linebacker room.
Position Battles: Who Else Will Step Up?
While Auburn’s linebacker room boasts some key returning players, the competition for starting spots and significant playing time will be fierce. With a new defensive system in place, some players will be tasked with proving themselves and competing for larger roles within the defense. Let’s take a look at the most important position battles to watch as Auburn heads into the final weeks of spring practice.
1. Middle Linebacker: Cam Riley vs. Wesley Steiner
One of the most intriguing position battles in the linebacker room is at the middle linebacker spot. Both Cam Riley and Wesley Steiner have the versatility and skill set to play the middle linebacker position, and whoever wins this battle will likely be tasked with running the defense and being the communication hub for the front seven.
Riley’s athleticism and coverage ability give him an edge in pass-heavy situations, while Steiner’s steady presence and high motor make him a reliable tackler in run-defense situations. Both players have strengths that fit Freeze’s defensive philosophy, and the coaching staff will have to decide who is best suited for the critical middle linebacker role. Riley’s ability to rush the passer and play in coverage could give him a slight advantage, but Steiner’s leadership and consistency could make him a valuable asset in the middle as well.
2. Will Linebacker: Who Will Play Opposite Pappoe?
The battle for the Will linebacker position—where Auburn typically places a more athletic, coverage-focused linebacker—will be one of the most competitive in the linebacker room. With Pappoe firmly entrenched as the Mike linebacker, the Tigers need someone to fill the Will linebacker role alongside him.
Wesley Steiner, who has played both inside and outside linebacker, could be a candidate to play at the Will position, but Cam Riley may also factor into this conversation. Riley’s speed and ability to cover sideline to sideline make him a good fit for the Will linebacker role, especially given Freeze’s desire for linebackers who can be versatile and play in both the run and pass game. Both players will likely see time in various packages, but one will need to distinguish himself as the primary starter.
3. Depth Players: Fresh Faces and Newcomers
While the top three linebackers—Pappoe, Riley, and Steiner—are expected to play major roles, Auburn’s linebacker depth will be crucial throughout the season. Injuries and rotations will provide opportunities for newcomers and young players to step in and make an impact. Players like Aubrey Solomon (So.) and Jalen McCullough (Fr.) will be looking to gain experience and push for playing time as the season progresses.
Auburn has recruited some promising young linebackers, and Freeze’s coaching staff will likely look to get them involved in special packages and possibly even on special teams as they continue to develop. These younger players will have an important role in providing depth, keeping the defense fresh, and contributing when called upon.
The Role of Linebackers in Freeze’s Aggressive Defensive Scheme
Under Hugh Freeze, Auburn’s defense will be built around aggressiveness and versatility, with the linebackers playing a central role in both run defense and pass coverage. Freeze’s defensive philosophy, led by coordinator Ron Roberts, emphasizes attacking and disrupting the opposing offense, especially with linebackers who can read plays, make tackles in space, and create pressure on the quarterback.
The linebackers will be asked to be highly versatile, moving between roles as run stoppers, pass rushers, and coverage players. In Freeze’s system, linebackers will often be called upon to blitz the quarterback or drop back into coverage, depending on the situation. This flexibility means that the Tigers’ linebackers must be quick thinkers, able to adapt to a variety of different defensive schemes and alignments.
The Linebacker Room’s Importance to Auburn’s Success
Auburn’s linebacker room has a strong core of returning players, with familiar faces stepping into larger roles in 2025. As one of the most critical positions on the defense, the linebackers will need to provide leadership, consistency, and playmaking ability for the Tigers to be successful in the SEC.
With Owen Pappoe, Cam Riley, and Wesley Steiner leading the way, Auburn’s linebackers are in a strong position to make a significant impact. However, position battles for starting roles and depth behind the top three will ensure that there is fierce competition throughout the spring and summer months.
Ultimately, Auburn’s success will depend on the linebackers’ ability to execute Freeze’s aggressive defensive scheme, make plays in critical situations, and help provide a stable foundation for the defense as a whole. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent, the linebacking corps has the potential to be one of the strongest and most impactful units on the team in 2025.