Spring preview: Linebackers are a team strength for the Auburn Tigers

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. Pairing Atkins with Melendez and Riddick gives Auburn a good foundation at the position. Coming into the season last year, Riddick was the most experienced linebacker on the team.

Auburn did have some departures by way of the transfer portal. Robert Woodyard Jr. left for Missouri, and Caleb Wheatland will be playing for Michigan State this fall. They did add Michael Mathews-Canty from Hampton in the transfer portal.

Here is a look at the linebackers for Auburn as spring practice continues with the annual A-Day Game this Saturday.

Xavier Atkins

![AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 06 - Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins (17) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

Photo by Addi Ray/Auburn Tigers](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rnxuUg6xluLbc6xvXLHfHw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/auburn_wire_usa_today_articles_537/48e21b49695d7fedec683d878d5d765c)

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 06 - Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins (17) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Photo by Addi Ray/Auburn Tigers

• Number: 17
• Measurables: 6-0, 210 pounds
• Class: Junior
• Previous school: LSU
• Career Stats: 87 tackles, 9 sacks

Elijah Melendez

Sep 27, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Elijah Melendez (9) runs down field during the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

• Number: 9
• Measurables: 6-0, 228 pounds
• Class: Sophomore
• Career Stats: 29 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 sack

Demarcus Riddick

![AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 16 - Auburn Linebacker Demarcus Riddick (16) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.

Photo by Austin Perryman/Auburn Tigers](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/v9bO9hN0HIFMc4irDFCfqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/auburn_wire_usa_today_articles_537/6060d5adc6b27cd1da330bd5bc7632b0)

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 16 - Auburn Linebacker Demarcus Riddick (16) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Photo by Austin Perryman/Auburn Tigers

• Number: 6
• Measurables: 6-2, 228 pounds
• Class: Junior
• Career Stats: 40 tackles, 4 sacks

Antonio Melendez

• Number: 45
• Measurables: 5-11, 237 pounds
• Class: Junior
• Career Stats: N/A

Coleman Granberry

• Number: 42
• Measurables: 5-11, 206 pounds
• Class: Junior
• Career Stats: 3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss

Michael Mathews-Canty

• Number: 51
• Measurables: 6-3, 215 pounds
• Class: Junior
• Previous school: Hampton
• Career stats: 102 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks

Bryce Deas

Nov 29, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Bryce Deas (16) tackles Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jamarion Miller (26) during the first half at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

• Number: 16
• Measurables: 6-1, 210 pounds
• Class: Sophomore
• Career Stats: 12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss

William Grier McDuffie

• Number: 52
• Measurables: 6-1, 217 pounds
• Class: Sophomore
• Career stats: N/A

Shadarius Toodle

Cottage Hill’s Shadarius Toodle is named the Class 3A Lineman of the Year during the ASWA Mr. Football Banquet in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday January 21, 2026.

• Number: 24
• Measurables: 6-3, 235 pounds
• Class: Freshman
• Career stats: N/A

Adam Balogoun-Ali

• Number: 44
• Measurables: 6-2, 215 pounds
• Class: Freshman
• Career stats: N/A

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football spring preview: Linebackers