Auburn Star Keldric Faulk Says Tigers Eager for Georgia Clash as Tigers Aim to Rewrite Story Against SEC Powerhouse
The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry has never lacked for drama, emotion, or meaning. Auburn and Georgia have squared off more than 125 times, creating a legacy of battles that shaped the fabric of college football. While Georgia has had the upper hand in recent years—particularly under head coach Kirby Smart—there’s a growing sense that Auburn might be ready to mount a challenge. No one encapsulates that confidence more than Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk, who made headlines with a bold yet respectful statement: the Tigers are looking forward to playing Georgia.
Faulk, a rising star and former high-profile recruit, didn’t back down when asked about the looming showdown with the Bulldogs. “We respect Georgia. They’ve been on top of college football for a while,” he said. “But we’re not afraid of them. We look forward to that game. We’re building something here, and we want to test ourselves against the best.”
It’s the type of comment that doesn’t come off as trash talk, but as a challenge—one rooted in Auburn’s renewed energy under second-year head coach Hugh Freeze. After a rocky start to the Freeze era that included flashes of promise and moments of inconsistency, the Tigers are beginning to believe they’re turning a corner. And for players like Faulk, the opportunity to take down the SEC’s top dog is both motivation and measuring stick.
Georgia has dominated the rivalry lately, winning seven straight meetings dating back to 2017. Most of those games haven’t even been close. The Bulldogs’ physicality, depth, and talent advantage have been evident each time the teams meet. But Auburn isn’t dwelling on the past—they’re focused on the path forward. And Faulk’s comments represent a shift in tone that could signal a more confident, aggressive mindset within the Auburn locker room.
Keldric Faulk is no ordinary player. At 6-foot-6 and over 270 pounds, the sophomore lineman was one of Auburn’s top recruits in the 2023 class, flipping from Florida State late in the cycle. His combination of length, power, and motor has already made him a disruptive force along the defensive front. Coaches rave about his upside, and teammates credit him with helping to anchor a defensive unit that aims to be the backbone of Auburn’s 2025 team.
Faulk’s emergence is one reason Auburn feels it can go toe-to-toe with Georgia’s vaunted offensive line. But the bigger reason might be the internal shift happening at Auburn. Freeze has rebuilt the program from the ground up, reshaping the roster through recruiting and the transfer portal while instilling belief that Auburn can compete again at the highest level.
When asked about Faulk’s comments, Freeze didn’t shy away from the moment either. “I want our guys to want those games. Georgia sets the standard right now in this conference, and if we’re going to grow, we have to embrace those challenges,” Freeze said. “Keldric is a competitor. He speaks for a locker room that wants to prove something.”
The 2025 Auburn-Georgia matchup will be circled on calendars not just because of its historical significance, but because it represents a potential turning point. Georgia will enter the game as the favorite—again—but for the first time in several years, Auburn seems to have both the personnel and mindset to make it interesting.
One of the keys will be how well Auburn’s defense, led by Faulk and fellow linemen like Marcus Harris and transfer additions from the portal, can hold up against Georgia’s massive offensive line. Georgia’s reputation as an offensive line factory is well-earned. They’ve produced multiple first-round picks, and their ability to control games in the trenches has been the foundation of their national success. Faulk knows the challenge but welcomes it.
“Those are the kinds of battles you dream about,” Faulk said. “If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. I’ve been in the weight room, the film room, working every day with that goal in mind. I want to go against the top guys. I want to see where we stand.”
That attitude has endeared Faulk to Auburn fans and coaches alike. His leadership, despite his youth, is seen as a crucial piece in the Tigers’ rebuild. Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts has praised Faulk’s dedication, calling him “a cornerstone” of the defensive future. “He’s got all the tools,” Roberts said. “But more importantly, he’s got the right mentality. He’s not backing down from anybody.”
That confidence isn’t misplaced. Auburn’s defense showed real flashes last season, and the offseason additions have only made the unit deeper and more versatile. The key for the Tigers will be turning that potential into production—especially when the lights shine brightest in games like Georgia.
Offensively, Auburn still has questions. The quarterback battle will be a major storyline heading into the season, and consistency in the passing game remains elusive. But the Tigers have fortified their offensive line and added skill-position talent, hoping to complement what could be a top-25 defense. Freeze, known for his offensive mind, believes Auburn can take a significant step forward this year.
But even if the offense remains a work in progress, the defense’s confidence, led by players like Faulk, is what could keep Auburn competitive in marquee matchups.
Georgia, for its part, will likely see Faulk’s comments as bulletin board material, but not in a hostile way. Kirby Smart has built a culture where every opponent is taken seriously, and he rarely allows his team to take any challenge lightly. Smart has often spoken about “respecting the process,” and part of that is preparing with intensity regardless of the opponent’s recent record.
Still, Smart is aware that teams like Auburn are gaining confidence, and he welcomes that competition. “This is the SEC. No one stays down forever,” Smart said during spring media availability. “Auburn has great tradition, great talent, and I’m sure Coach Freeze is going to have them ready. We’ll be ready, too.”
The buildup to the 2025 matchup will be intense. With both teams expected to be ranked and the SEC schedule expanded to include more high-stakes games under the new structure, Georgia vs. Auburn could carry more playoff implications than ever before. For Auburn, it’s a chance to announce that they’re back. For Georgia, it’s another test on their quest to stay on top.
Keldric Faulk’s statement may have made headlines, but it also captured a truth that every Auburn fan understands: the Tigers are tired of being on the wrong side of this rivalry. They want to compete. They want to win. And they believe they’re close.
Whether that belief translates into results remains to be seen. Georgia is still a machine, still producing five-star talent at an unprecedented rate, and still winning in the trenches. But even the strongest dynasties eventually face real challengers—and Auburn, behind young leaders like Faulk, hopes to become one.
Until then, expect Faulk and his teammates to continue preparing in silence, working with purpose, and building toward the moment they get another shot at Georgia.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Faulk admitted. “But I believe in this team. I believe in where we’re going. And I can’t wait for that Georgia game. I really can’t.”
