​The 2026 football season for the Auburn Tigers is approaching, and as we look ahead to the kickoff, allow us to introduce a standout member of the 2026 roster. Defensive back Champ Anthony is widely regarded as one of Auburn’s most talented players, a reputation earned through his on-field potential and his ability to impact games when healthy. Unfortunately, injuries have interrupted his trajectory and limited his playing time in recent seasons.
Anthony’s injury history began in early 2024 during a matchup with Arkansas, when he suffered a broken leg. The 2025 campaign brought two more setbacks: a broken thumb in the season opener against Baylor, followed by a season-ending leg injury against Kentucky. In addition to these injuries, he has missed the previous two spring practices, which has naturally impacted his continuity with the team. Yet when he has been on the field, he has shown why he is considered a game-changing defender.
In 2024, through four appearances, Anthony posted 12 total tackles and three passes defended. The following season saw him active in only six games, but he still accumulated 13 tackles. While his playmaking ability is undeniable, Auburn also benefits from a deep safety corps, featuring experienced players and talented underclassmen who can contribute across multiple roles.
Get to know senior defensive back Champ Anthony ahead of the 2026 season by reviewing his Auburn football player profile. Position: Safety. Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas. High School: Trinity Leadership Academy in Cedar Hill. Previous School: Trinity Junior College. Height: 5-11. Weight: 195. Class: Senior. Recruiting class: 2023. Position rank: No. 4 in the state. State rank: No. 3. Rating: Three-star. Other schools of interest included BYU, North Dakota State, and Louisiana-Monroe.
Year-by-year totals show his production, with 2023 yielding 64.4 total tackles, followed by 2024 at 80.9 and 2025 at 53.3 in limited games. The data reflects his strengths as a run defender (72.4 in 2025) and his coverage skills (81.4 in 2024), illustrating the balance he brings to Auburn’s secondary when available.
Auburn Wire continues its series profiling notable players as the 2026 season nears, inviting fans to learn more about the Tigers through detailed player spotlights. For ongoing Auburn coverage, follow The Auburn Wire on X (Twitter) @TheAuburnWire, and like our Facebook page for updates, notes, and opinions about Auburn athletics. You can also follow Phillip on Twitter @PJordanSports. This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire as part of our 2026 Auburn football player profile series focusing on Champ Anthony to support better SEO and reader reach.