Auburn Expands Young Players' Roles Vs. Arkansas
Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin signals more snaps for freshman edge rusher Jaquez Wilkes and linebacker De'Marcus Riddick as the regular season nears its end.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin has signaled increased playing time for young linebackers and edge rusher Jaquez Wilkes. The move comes with four regular-season games remaining and Auburn preparing to face Arkansas at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Why it matters
Auburn's defensive struggles make it easier to justify giving opportunities to more players, and head coach Alex Golesh is focused on building depth as the regular season enters its final four games.
Auburn's remaining schedule is four regular-season games, and Arkansas ranks last in the SEC in points per game, total yards per game and rushing yards per game. How large the expanded roles will be in the Arkansas game has not been disclosed.
The players
DJ Durkin
Auburn's defensive coordinator, who signaled the expanded roles for young defenders ahead of the Arkansas game.
Alex Golesh
Auburn's head coach, who is focused on building depth as the regular season enters its final four games.
Jaquez Wilkes
A true freshman edge rusher considered one of Auburn's most athletic freshmen on defense.
The details
Durkin said freshman Jaquez Wilkes arrives first to meetings daily and practices the right way, while junior linebacker De'Marcus Riddick has received more snaps over the last three weeks. Riddick named Michael Matthews-Canty and Shadarius Toodle as linebackers standing out, and true freshmen DeShawn Spencer and Brian Williams Jr. saw significant snaps at wide receiver last week.
Timeline
Monday: Durkin discussed Wilkes's potential increased role.
Wednesday: Riddick named linebackers standing out.
Saturday: Auburn plays Arkansas at 11:45 a.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium, televised on SEC Network.
Season Trajectory
With four regular-season games left, Auburn's decision to widen its defensive rotation reflects the team's struggles on that side of the ball this season. The move places a premium on developing depth before the final stretch of the schedule.
Fantasy managers tracking Auburn defenders should note that Riddick's snap count has risen over three weeks. Arkansas's last-place SEC offense rankings suggest the matchup is a favorable one for Auburn's young players to gain experience.
The takeaway
Auburn's willingness to rely on young players this late in the season signals a focus on future depth that could shape the roster heading into next year. Watching how the freshmen perform against Arkansas will show whether the expanded roles stick.
What happens next
Auburn faces Arkansas on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium, where the expanded roles for young defenders will first be tested.
Further reading
For more on Auburn's season, see Auburn Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
