Auburn football continues to rise on the national stage, and one of the Tigers’ most dynamic young defenders, Keldric Faulk, is helping lead the charge. The sophomore EDGE rusher was recently named to Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) Top-50 college football players list, a major honor that not only validates his breakout freshman season but also positions him as one of the most feared defenders in the nation heading into the 2025 season. For Auburn fans and coaches alike, the recognition is both a point of pride and a signal of greater things to come from the talented defender.
Faulk’s inclusion on this elite list underscores his rapid development and the significant impact he’s made in a short time. As a former four-star recruit out of Highland Home, Alabama, Faulk arrived at Auburn with lofty expectations. But few could have predicted just how quickly he would emerge as a cornerstone of the Tigers’ defense. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, Faulk combines an imposing frame with elite-level quickness, explosiveness off the line, and a relentless motor. His physical traits were always apparent, but it’s his discipline, football IQ, and adaptability that have accelerated his rise.
During his freshman season, Faulk didn’t just show flashes — he showed dominance. Whether it was bull-rushing SEC offensive tackles or chasing down mobile quarterbacks, Faulk consistently found ways to disrupt plays. His stat line told only part of the story: several sacks, a high number of pressures, and numerous tackles for loss. But it was the consistency of those performances against high-level competition that truly set him apart. PFF, known for its meticulous grading and in-depth analytics, recognized what Auburn fans had already seen — Faulk is not just a young player with upside; he’s already one of the best at his position in college football.
Faulk’s pass-rush win rate, quarterback pressure numbers, and run-defense grades were among the best of any freshman in the country, and he often looked like a veteran out there. But beyond the numbers, what makes Faulk’s game stand out is his versatility. He can rush with his hand in the dirt, stand up and set the edge, drop into coverage when needed, and impact the game from multiple alignments. Defensive coordinators love players like him because he can be used creatively — and because offenses always have to account for where he is.
For Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, Faulk represents the prototype of what they want in a modern-day edge defender — big, fast, intelligent, and tough. His presence on the field forces opposing offensive coordinators to adjust their protection schemes, chip with tight ends or running backs, and shift attention in ways that free up opportunities for his teammates. In that sense, Faulk’s impact goes well beyond his own stat line. He’s the type of player who changes the way the game is played.
The recognition from Pro Football Focus is also important from a broader program perspective. Auburn has always been a proud defensive program, with a rich tradition of producing elite front-seven players, from Nick Fairley and Dee Ford to Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson. Keldric Faulk is next in that line. His name appearing among the nation’s best is a return to form for a program that prides itself on defense and physicality. It shows recruits, fans, and the college football world that Auburn still produces top-tier talent — and that more could be coming soon.
Another factor that makes Faulk’s rise so compelling is how quickly he has matured on and off the field. Coaches rave about his work ethic, leadership, and quiet confidence. He’s not flashy — he lets his play do the talking. In practices, he’s known for setting the tone with high-energy reps, helping younger players, and demanding excellence from himself and others. That mentality, combined with his natural ability, is why so many believe he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.
Faulk’s journey to this point wasn’t without twists. Initially committed to Florida State, he flipped to Auburn late in the recruiting process, a move that now looks like a massive win for the Tigers. His decision to stay in-state and represent his home program gave Auburn a critical recruiting boost — and now, with national recognition rolling in, that decision is paying off for both player and program. It’s a textbook example of how landing elite local talent can reshape a roster.
Looking ahead, expectations for Faulk are sky-high. With a full offseason of development, a deeper understanding of the defense, and more physical maturity, he is poised to become a dominant force in the SEC. NFL scouts are already watching closely, and if his sophomore season builds on what he started as a freshman, he could be a top draft prospect by the time he’s eligible. Auburn’s staff will be careful to manage his workload and keep him fresh throughout the season, knowing that he’s one of the few true game-changers on their roster.
Faulk’s presence will also help Auburn’s defense take a leap in 2025. With more depth across the defensive line and a strong linebacker corps behind him, the Tigers have a chance to field one of the better units in the conference. And as every coach will tell you, a defense with a dominant edge rusher changes everything — from how you call plays to how confident your secondary can be. If Faulk continues on this trajectory, Auburn could very well find itself back in the national spotlight, competing in meaningful games deep into the season.
There’s also a cultural element to Faulk’s impact. He’s quickly become a tone-setter and one of the faces of Auburn football’s new era. In a time when roster turnover is common and players are often looking for the next opportunity, Faulk represents stability and growth. He’s developed within the program, bought into the coaching staff’s vision, and embraced the challenge of becoming great. That’s the kind of player who inspires others to do the same.
Pro Football Focus doesn’t hand out praise lightly. Its rankings are rooted in film study, player grades, situational performance, and advanced analytics. So when someone like Faulk makes that list — and does so this early in his career — it’s a testament to just how impactful he’s been. It also gives Auburn a national storyline to build around. In an offseason filled with movement, realignment, and coaching changes, Faulk’s emergence offers something solid, something exciting, and something Auburn can proudly promote.
As the Tigers gear up for what promises to be a challenging 2025 campaign in a stacked SEC, having a player like Keldric Faulk anchoring the defense provides not only talent but belief. Belief that Auburn can compete with the best. Belief that elite defensive play is returning to the Plains. And belief that the program is heading in the right direction.
If Faulk stays healthy and continues to grow — both in terms of physical development and football mastery — the sky is truly the limit. He has the tools to become a household name in college football, a high NFL Draft pick, and the next great Auburn defender to etch his name into the legacy of Jordan-Hare Stadium. His story is far from finished, but it’s already one worth following closely.
The Tigers have landed a star, and now the rest of the college football world is starting to take notice.
