Syndication: The Montgomery Advertiser Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15) celebrates a stop as Auburn Tigers take on California Golden Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

The SEC is filled with top defenders once again, and Alabama football will be tasked with making plays against them, per usual.

The Crimson Tide are looking to have an explosive offense under Ryan Grubb and company, but this group of players will be aiming to stop any fireworks the Alabama offense plans to fire off.

Here is a look at the five best defensive players Alabama will face in 2025:

Keldric Faulk – DL – Auburn

Faulk has an opportunity to secure first-round status this fall. Several early mock drafts have him coming off the board early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-6, 270-pounder is extremely strong at the point of attack with the ability to line up at different positions along the defensive front and be productive. He finished the 2024 season with seven sacks and was highly productive against Alabama in the Iron Bowl, finishing the game with six tackles, two tackles for loss a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Faulk has actually trained alongside some Alabama defensive linemen this offseason.

“He’s one of a kind. Keldric, just like the other guys,” Winning Edge OL/DL Specialist Terrence Swift previously told Touchdown Alabama. “They can play different positions. Keldric has proven on the field he can play all five. He can get inside and make plays at every position.”

Faulk is a product of Highland Home, Alabama, and like many of the players from Alabama, who get to play in the Iron Bowl, look for him to bring his A game.

Justin Smith is the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with over 10 years of writing experience & expertise. Smith has consistently delivered high quality, extensively researched information on the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team that fans can trust. Smith is official credentialed media with the University of Alabama under Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He is also the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Enterprises, specializing in scouting and analyzing high school recruits around the nation, specifically focusing on recruits within the state of Alabama.