Auburn has suffered a major defensive setback ahead of the 2026 season, as BUCK linebacker and hybrid EDGE defender is expected to miss the entire regular season after undergoing a procedure to repair a collarbone injury suffered during fall camp.
Head coach Alex Golesh revealed the news, while leaving a small possibility open for a late-season return. Golesh emphasized that Faulk is currently projected to be sidelined for the regular season but hinted that a quicker-than-expected recovery could put him back on the field around the end of November or December — potentially giving Auburn hope for an Iron Bowl appearance.
“The hope is that toward the end of the season — end of November, December — we would have him,” Golesh said. “As of right now, he would be out for the regular season, which stinks. Feel for him. He’s worked hard to put himself in a position to play.”
The injury is a frustrating setback for Faulk, who was entering his redshirt freshman campaign looking to carve out a bigger role after seeing limited action in 2025. He appeared in Auburn’s win over Mercer last season, recording four solo tackles during the Tigers’ 62-17 victory.
With Faulk sidelined, Auburn must now find answers at the BUCK linebacker spot — a position that plays a crucial role in creating pressure and disrupting opposing offenses.
Da’Shawn Womack becomes Auburn’s new defensive weapon
The immediate answer appears to be transfer edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack, who is expected to take over as the primary starter at BUCK.
Womack, who has previous stops at LSU and Ole Miss, has impressed Auburn’s coaching staff throughout fall camp. Outside linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler praised his work ethic, leadership and ability to quickly adapt to the Tigers’ defensive system.
“He’s worked his butt off. He’s been through a lot, right? From his third school, he’s really jumped into our room and into our defense and has been a great guy to provide energy and enthusiasm,” Hutzler said. “He practices the right way.”
Beyond Womack, Auburn will rely on several players to absorb Faulk’s missing snaps. Nate Johnson, Chris Murray, Joe Phillips, Jaquez Wilkes and Chris Wells are all expected to compete for playing time.
Because of the aggressive tempo of Auburn’s defense, multiple players are likely to see meaningful opportunities throughout the season. Faulk’s injury creates a challenge, but it also opens the door for younger defenders to make an impact.
Auburn searching for the next Keyron Crawford
Replacing Faulk’s production is only part of the challenge. Auburn is also attempting to replace former BUCK linebacker Keyron Crawford, who left a massive void after being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the third round of the NFL Draft.
Crawford was one of Auburn’s most disruptive defenders in 2025, finishing with 43 quarterback pressures while consistently creating problems for opposing offensive lines. He formed a dangerous pass-rushing duo with Keldric Faulk — Jakaleb’s older brother — who also moved on to the NFL after earning a spot with the Tennessee Titans.
The standard Crawford set will be difficult to match, but Auburn believes its linebacker development system can continue producing NFL-caliber talent.
Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin previously helped develop Crawford and other linebackers, while Hutzler now takes over the position group after Roc Bellantoni’s departure. The coaching staff believes the talent level remains high enough to keep Auburn’s pass rush dangerous.
For now, Auburn will move forward without one of its promising young defenders. But if Faulk can recover quickly, the Tigers could still get a late-season boost from a player who was expected to become a major part of their defensive future.