Auburn Star Linebacker Shocks Fans: Is He Making a $10 Million Mistake by Going Pro?

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn Tigers linebacker Keyron Crawford has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, joining teammate Keldrick Faulk as one of the two Auburn defenders entering the draft this year. Crawford becomes the third overall Tiger to announce his intention to go pro for the upcoming draft.

The UNDERDOG STORY 🙏🏾🦍 pic.twitter.com/c8C7HDqeyi

— Keyron Crawford (@KeyronCrawford3) December 16, 2025

Crawford’s journey to declaring for the draft has been nothing short of remarkable. He transferred to Auburn from Arkansas State, where he played during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. During his time at Arkansas State, he accumulated 58 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. After entering the transfer portal post-2023 season, he quickly made a significant impact at Auburn.

In the 2024 season, Crawford made a name for himself by recording 22 total tackles. His performance improved in 2025, where he racked up 36 total tackles, including 28 solo tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception. His standout season earned him Third Team All-SEC honors, a recognition he shares with Faulk.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 255 pounds, Crawford was initially a three-star prospect according to 247sports.com. He primarily played as an edge defender, ranking second on the team for both tackles for loss and sacks. In addition, he impressively ranked fourth in the SEC with 43 pressures, according to PFF.com. His best game of the last season came against the Baylor Bears, where he recorded a career-high seven tackles along with his first career sack as a Tiger.

Crawford's only career interception took place during Auburn's matchup with South Alabama, further highlighting his all-around skill set on the field. Looking ahead to the draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper has ranked Crawford as the 10th-best outside linebacker prospect, suggesting he may be a late-round pick or possibly an undrafted free agent.

Despite the competitive landscape of the 2026 NFL Draft, which features an array of talented outside linebacker and edge rusher prospects, Crawford's determination and work ethic stand out. As he transitions to this next phase in his career, he expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his teammates and Auburn, stating, “To my lifelong teammates, my brother, who battled alongside me and created unforgettable memories. Thank you. And to Auburn, thank you for welcoming me and making my time there truly worthwhile. With that said, I am excited to announce that I am declaring for the NFL Draft.”

As Crawford enters the draft class, he brings with him not only impressive statistics but also a reputation as a player with “a huge heart” and relentless work ethic. Regardless of where he lands in the draft, there’s no doubt that his time at Auburn has prepared him for the challenges and opportunities that await in the NFL.