As Auburn football prepares for a busy offseason with the transfer portal set to open, the Tigers received encouraging news from their defensive front. Freshman defensive lineman Jourdin Crawford announced Thursday that he will return to the program for the 2026 season, providing Auburn with much-needed continuity in the trenches.
Crawford shared his decision on social media, becoming the second freshman defensive lineman to confirm his return, joining Malik Autry, who previously made a similar announcement. With roster turnover expected across college football, Crawford’s decision offers stability for a defensive line that is facing significant change.
Although Crawford saw limited playing time during the 2025 season, his return remains important for Auburn’s long-term defensive plans. He was one of four defensive linemen signed in Auburn’s 2024 recruiting class and entered the program as a highly regarded prospect with strong upside.
Before arriving on the Plains, Crawford was a standout at Parker High School in Birmingham, where he built an impressive résumé. He recorded 38 career sacks at the high school level and played a key role in leading Parker to a state championship in 2024, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the state.
Crawford’s return comes at a critical time for Auburn’s defensive interior. The Tigers are losing five interior defensive linemen who exhausted their eligibility at the conclusion of the season, creating a need for both experience and depth. Compounding that challenge, sophomore defensive tackle Malik Blocton has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal when it officially opens.
With the program transitioning under new head coach Alex Golesh, retaining young talent like Crawford and Autry is viewed as a positive step as Auburn reshapes its roster. Their presence gives the Tigers a foundation to build upon while navigating portal additions and preparing for the 2026 campaign.
As Auburn continues to evaluate its roster and address needs through recruiting and the transfer portal, Crawford’s decision stands out as a boost for a defensive line looking to reload rather than rebuild