​The 2026 football season for the Auburn Tigers is on the horizon. As we anticipate the start of the season, let’s introduce you to a key member of the 2026 roster.A defensive piece that has the capability to be the next man up for the loaded Auburn linebacking room is sophomore Bryce Deas. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker saw the field 11 times this past year for the Tigers. Deas is projected to be a second-team linebacker, obviously with the two studs in junior Xavier Atkins and sophomore Elijah Melendez ahead in the depth chart.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDefensive coordinator DJ Durkin’s defense has been very productive in the linebacking corps. Deas has that chance to be the next one of those guys that Durkin has gotten the best out of at the position. As a true freshman, he debuted against Baylor and recorded his first tackle-for-loss against Ball State. Throughout the season, Deas would be used in a rotational piece-type role on defense for the Tigers.Coming out of high school, he was rated a four-star (composite industry score) and was seen as the No. 50 player at his position by 247Sports. He played at St. Francis Academy in Maryland. He led the team as a team captain and played both sides as a running back and linebacker. He excelled in track and field, where he lettered.Learn more about Auburn linebacker Bryce Deas by checking out his 2026 Auburn football player profile below.Position: LinebackerHometown: Prince George’s County, MarylandHigh School: St. Francis AcademyHeight: 6-1Weight: 225Class: SophomoreAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRecruiting class: 2025Position rank: No. 50 linebacker (247Sports)State rank: No. 19 from Maryland (247Sports)Rating: Four-star (Composite)YEARGAMES PLAYEDSTARTSTACKLESTFLINTPBU202511112202TOTALS111122022025: 74.3Strengths: Coverage (77.2 in 2025), Pressures (created 8 in 2025), Tackling (missed 4 in 185 snaps in 2025)1 / 12Sep 6, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Ball State Cardinals running back Elijah Jackson (0) is tackled by Auburn Tigers linebacker Bryce Deas (16) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images(John Reed, John Reed-Imagn Images)Auburn Wire is preparing for the 2026 season by profiling several notable players. Check out the 2026 player profile of your favorite player below.Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jac on Twitter @Jac_MyrickThis article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Player profile: Bryce Deas ready for his sophomore campaign