𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗔𝘂𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻-𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻-𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆

2 Auburn Football Players Who Could Benefit Most From JJ Faulk’s Season-Ending Injury

Auburn football has suffered a difficult setback ahead of the 2026 season after promising defender Jakaleb “JJ” Faulk was ruled out for the entire campaign following surgery on a collarbone injury. While the news is disappointing for the Tigers and the young defensive standout, his absence could create opportunities for several other players competing for playing time at the BUCK linebacker position.

Faulk, the brother of Tennessee Titans edge rusher Keldric Faulk, had been viewed as an exciting young player who could have made a significant impact for Auburn this season. His injury, suffered during fall camp, has now forced the Tigers to look deeper into their defensive depth chart.

The good news for Auburn is that the team has several players capable of stepping into the rotation. Ole Miss transfer Da’Shawn Womack remains the clear favorite to handle the starting BUCK role, but Faulk’s absence means there will be additional opportunities for players behind him.

Among the candidates, Chris Murray and Nate Johnson could benefit the most.

Chris Murray

Murray enters the season as a redshirt senior and has an important advantage over some of the younger players competing for snaps: experience.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defender already understands Auburn’s defensive system and was granted another year of eligibility during the spring. His familiarity with the scheme could prove extremely valuable as the Tigers navigate the season.

Murray has the physical ability to attack the line of scrimmage, pressure quarterbacks and make plays against the run. More importantly, his experience allows him to recognize offensive formations and situations faster than a less experienced defender.

That football intelligence could become especially important in games where Auburn needs someone who can make the correct decision quickly.

His biggest disadvantage may be his physical profile compared with some of the other candidates. Murray does not possess the same length or frame as Nate Johnson, which could affect how frequently he is used in certain defensive packages.

Still, his experience makes him a strong candidate for additional playing time following Faulk’s injury.

Nate Johnson

Johnson may have the biggest opportunity of anyone affected by Faulk’s absence.

At 6-foot-6 and approximately 225 pounds, Johnson has the type of size and athletic ability that immediately stands out. His long arms, speed and explosiveness give Auburn another versatile weapon off the edge.

Johnson is capable of rushing the passer, chasing plays down from the backside and dropping into coverage. That versatility makes him particularly attractive in a modern defensive scheme where players are expected to perform multiple responsibilities.

His physical tools are perhaps his greatest advantage. When Johnson puts everything together, he has the potential to become a difficult matchup for opposing offenses.

Auburn’s defensive coaching staff could also benefit from using him alongside established players such as Da’Shawn Womack and Jared Smith. The additional snaps created by Faulk’s injury could accelerate Johnson’s development and give him valuable experience before conference play becomes more intense.

Johnson Could Have the Biggest Opportunity

While Womack remains the player expected to lead the BUCK rotation, Faulk’s season-ending injury changes the competition behind him.

Chris Murray brings experience and knowledge of the system, while Nate Johnson offers an intriguing combination of size, speed and versatility.

If forced to choose which player stands to benefit the most, Johnson appears to have the higher ceiling. His physical gifts give Auburn another potential difference-maker, and increased playing time could allow him to develop the awareness needed to maximize those tools.

Faulk’s injury is undoubtedly a setback for Auburn, but it also creates an opportunity for other defenders to step forward. Johnson and Murray now have a chance to turn increased preseason opportunities into meaningful roles once the regular season begins.