The 2024 Auburn Tigers The season failed to meet even the most rational expectations. Yet with so many missed opportunities, there is a glimmer of hope.

Despite crushing and exhausting losses littering this year’s schedule, the team, based on what happens over the next year, will actually perform better than the previous half-dozen or more seasons.

With that hope, a thought arises: Hugh Freeze, after next year’s enrollment, could sport one of the best defenses in the country. Although this may seem completely hyperbolic, it is still a safe bet that better days will come to the Plains.

The cornerstone

Despite several snubs from award committees this season, second-year defensive lineman Keldric Faulk is playing as well as any defensive lineman in the game today. You can see not only the change in approach but also an increased nastiness that takes his game to a new level.

Blessed with arm length, excellent feet, and underrated athleticism, Faulk continues to stretch his already high ceiling. He has the speed to line up outside the offensive tackle and the 6-foot-6, 290-pound size to move inside on passing downs.

In 2026, one lucky NFL team can turn things around when Faulk hears his name called early in the first round. As such, Auburn appears ready to consolidate talent around a player who should compete for a Bednarik Trophy next season.

Help is coming

Around Faulk, Auburn will see a depth chart, filled with highly touted true freshmen. Along the defensive line, five-star freshmen will fight for snaps with veteran players, and more than likely win. Jared Smith is already a legitimate 6-foot-6 and already weighs 235 pounds.

With time and increased calories, he will become a force in the two- and three-point positions as an edge rusher. Defensive tackle Malik Autry will anchor the middle. The freshman from Alabaster, Alabama, will take up more space than an unwanted relative this Thanksgiving. Faulk could now see a double team, freeing up his teammates to wreak havoc.

The new DBU?

While LSU and Ohio State battle for secondary supremacy, Auburn is only producing quality defenders from a depth standpoint. Anquon Fegans And Eric Winters will provide skills that balance each other. Fegans will move closer to the line of scrimmage while Winters can corral everyone from the backs to the receivers to the tight ends.

The SEC remains attack heavy. With coaches like Josh Heupel, Lane Kiffin and Kalen DeBoer, they want to run the ball. As a result, you can never have enough defensive backs to patrol the field.

Preview

Auburn probably won’t do well in 2024. Things look bleak. Hugh Freeze, as head coach, disappoints many with his in-game decisions.

However, if you look at the big picture, the current pain will dissipate, leaving the scar that will heal when Auburn starts winning. Auburn’s defense is already good enough to keep the Tigers in virtually every game. In the near future, it will be enough to win them.