​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.For the 2026 Auburn Tigers, one of the most talented position groups on the roster is the linebackers. While Xavier Atkins gets all the headlines, the skill goes beyond that. One of the most experienced players at the position is Demarcus Riddick, who is entering his junior season with the Tigers. In his first two seasons, he has played in a total of 22 games and has started in 10. During his first two seasons, he has a total of 40 tackles and four sacks.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Clanton, Alabama native played high school football at Chilton County and was part of the Tigers’ 2024 recruiting class signed by Hugh Freeze. According to 247Sports, he was a four-star prospect who rated as the No. 6 player in Alabama. His most impactful season was his freshman season in 2024, when he had 27 total tackles and three sacks. Riddick will be a key part of the defense’s success for the upcoming season.Get to know junior linebacker Demarcus Riddick before the 2026 season by checking out his Auburn football player profile below.Position: LinebackerHometown: Clanton, AlabamaHigh School: Chilton CountyHeight: 6-2Weight: 225Class: JuniorRecruiting class: 2024Position rank: No. 5State rank: No. 6Rating: four-starOther schools in the mix: Georgia and AlabamaAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSeasonGamesGames StartedTacklesTFLSacks2024122275320251041311Totals22640642024: 65.82025: 51.9Strengths: Coverage and pass rush1 / 15ATHENS, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 5: London Humphreys #16 of the Georgia Bulldogs is hit by Demarcus Riddick #16 of the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium on October 5, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)(Todd Kirkland, Getty 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 Phillip on Twitter @PJordanSportsThis article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Player profile: Demarcus Riddick is a rising star in Auburn’s LB room