According to PFF, Auburn landed the highest graded quarterback in the transfer portal with Byrum Brown. But that wasn’t the only elite addition. Cody Sigler came in as the No. 2 rated defensive lineman in the portal, and that could have just as big of an impact on the 2026 season.

This Auburn defensive line reload is serious.

Under DJ Durkin, Auburn has quietly built one of the SEC’s best run defenses. The Tigers allowed just 99.3 rushing yards per game last season, ranking third in the conference. They gave up only 20.7 points per game. The defense did more than enough to win games. The offense simply did not hold up its end.

Now with Kendrick Faulk heading to the league, the spotlight turns to Cody Sigler and the next wave up front.

Dallas Walker adds depth. Jared Smith flashed real potential. DeShawn Womack brings edge pressure. Walter Mathis can collapse pockets from the interior. And Saint Faerre is a massive presence that can plug the middle.

The goal is simple. Stay elite against the run. Get home on obvious passing downs. Protect linebackers like Xavier Atkins so they can play fast and clean.

October is brutal on the schedule. September cannot slip away. If Auburn is going to flip the script in 2026, it starts in the trenches.