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Auburn's defense has received several blessings already in 2026, as two players have announced their intention to return to the program for next season.
Malik Autry, a rising sophomore from Opelika, Alabama, announced Thursday on Instagram that he will return to Auburn for the 2026 season. He joins Demarcus Riddick in announcing the decision on New Year's Day, and Xavier Atkins, who shared his plans to return last month.
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Autry signed with Auburn as the No. 4 defensive lineman in the nation from the 2025 recruiting cycle, and the No. 2 player from Alabama. He was Auburn's top-rated signee from the class, topping Deuce Knight for the top spot. As a freshman, Autry appeared in nine games at three different positions: nose tackle, defensive end, and defensive tackle. He played in 86 snaps and made eight tackles, with his best game coming against Mercer on Nov. 22, when he made three tackles.
Autry's return is huge for Auburn, as the Tigers will lose Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford to the NFL draft and Bobby Jamison-Travis to graduation. Auburn is also expected to lose Amaris Williams, Malik Blocton, and Darion Smith to the transfer portal. The transfer portal will open on Friday, Jan. 2.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football: Malik Autry announces return for 2026 season
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