Auburn’s Malik Autry Earns Top Freshman Honors in EA Sports College Football 26, Signaling Bright Future on Defensive Line
As anticipation builds around the release of EA Sports College Football 26, few programs are drawing more attention for their young talent than Auburn—and at the center of that spotlight is true freshman defensive lineman Malik Autry. Widely regarded as one of the most physically dominant players in the 2024 recruiting cycle, Autry has now earned an additional accolade that has fans buzzing: a top-tier freshman rating in the game’s initial player rankings.
For Auburn fans, the excitement around Autry was already intense when he arrived on campus earlier this year. Now, his recognition as one of the highest-rated freshmen in College Football 26 serves as a digital validation of what the coaching staff, recruiting analysts, and observers have believed for months—Malik Autry is not only ready for college football; he’s ready to make an impact immediately.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing around 315 pounds, Autry possesses the kind of rare size and athleticism that separates elite high school prospects from potential All-Americans. His blend of power, burst, and length drew comparisons to NFL-level defensive tackles even before he enrolled at Auburn. After arriving on campus, those comparisons only intensified.
“We knew what we were getting in Malik,” said Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze. “But once he got here and started working with our staff, we realized he’s even more advanced than we thought.”
In practices and early spring workouts, Autry showcased a maturity in his approach that quickly earned him praise from veterans and coaches alike. Defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett, who has experience developing NFL talent, was quick to emphasize that Autry doesn’t just look the part—he plays with a motor and focus rarely seen in players his age.
“He’s got a pro mindset already,” Garrett said. “He doesn’t take reps off. He’s coachable, he’s aggressive, and he’s hungry to be great. That’s what you want in a young defensive lineman.”
Autry’s high rating in College Football 26—reportedly one of the top five among all incoming freshmen—speaks to how highly he’s viewed not just inside the program but around the country. EA Sports developers, who worked closely with college football insiders and analysts to assign realistic ratings, were reportedly struck by Autry’s potential and physical traits during the evaluation process.
While exact ratings vary depending on the game mode and platform, Autry’s digital presence will likely make him a fan favorite among gamers playing as Auburn. More importantly, his recognition in the game is a reflection of what he could become in real life—a cornerstone of the Tigers’ defensive front for years to come.
For Freeze, the timing of Autry’s arrival could not be better. As the Tigers work to reestablish themselves among the SEC’s elite, a dominant defensive line is critical. In recent years, Auburn has struggled with consistency in the trenches, often losing the physical battle against top-tier programs like Georgia, LSU, and Alabama. Freeze has made it a priority to reverse that trend, and recruiting Autry was a central part of that strategy.
“Everything in this league starts up front,” Freeze said. “If you want to win in the SEC, you have to control the line of scrimmage. Malik gives us a real chance to do that.”
Autry, a native of Opelika, Alabama, also represents a significant in-state recruiting win. Landing the talented defensive lineman was a major statement for Freeze and his staff, particularly with powerhouse programs across the South vying for his commitment. In the end, Autry’s desire to stay close to home and help build something special at Auburn played a decisive role in his decision.
“I’ve always wanted to represent Alabama and play for Auburn,” Autry said shortly after signing. “This place means something to me, and I want to help bring championships back to the Plains.”
The early signs suggest that he’s well on his way to doing just that. While Freeze has not officially named Autry a starter for the season opener, all signs point to him playing significant snaps in the defensive line rotation. His size and versatility allow him to play both nose and three-technique roles, giving Auburn flexibility depending on opponent and scheme.
“He’s going to play early, no doubt,” Freeze confirmed. “We’ll be smart about how we bring him along, but he’s ready to contribute.”
Teammates have echoed that sentiment. Senior defensive tackle Jayson Jones, one of the leaders of the defense, praised Autry for his work ethic and impact during summer workouts.
“He’s a monster, man,” Jones said. “You don’t see guys move like that at his size. And he listens—he wants to learn. He’s going to be a problem for offenses real soon.”
Beyond the physical tools, what stands out about Autry is his mindset. He’s described by coaches as quiet but intense, humble but confident, and singularly focused on development. In team meetings, he asks questions. In weight room sessions, he pushes teammates. On the field, he plays with violence and urgency.
That maturity is likely what helped earn him such a high mark in the College Football 26 ratings. EA Sports developers have consistently said that intangibles—leadership, football IQ, consistency—played a role in the evaluations. For a freshman to rate as highly as Autry did, those intangibles had to be exceptional.
While the video game spotlight is fun and certainly brings national attention, Freeze is quick to note that digital ratings mean nothing if not backed by results on the field.
“We don’t get too caught up in the hype,” Freeze said. “We’re glad Malik’s getting recognition because he’s earned it. But the goal is to be dominant on Saturdays, not just on PlayStation.”
That said, the recognition does have tangible benefits for the program. In the world of modern college football, visibility matters. Recruits notice when players from their region or recruiting class receive national attention. EA Sports games, with their wide reach and cultural relevance, are now part of that recruiting landscape.
“It helps with branding, no question,” said Auburn recruiting coordinator Marcus Davis. “When kids see Malik doing big things—both in real life and in the game—they start thinking, ‘Auburn’s where I need to be.’”
For Autry, though, the focus remains internal. Asked recently about the buzz surrounding his College Football 26 rating, the freshman smiled, shrugged, and responded in typical understated fashion.
“That’s cool and all,” he said. “But I’m trying to get real sacks, not just in the game.”
That kind of answer is exactly what coaches want to hear. Freeze has said repeatedly that one of the hardest things about coaching elite talent is managing expectations and ego. With Autry, those concerns appear minimal. The staff believes he’s grounded, focused, and committed to the process of becoming great.
As Auburn prepares for the upcoming season, much will be asked of the young defensive lineman. He’ll face elite SEC offensive lines, complex blocking schemes, and veteran quarterbacks. But if his offseason progress is any indication, Autry won’t just hold his own—he may thrive.
His presence alone will allow Auburn’s defensive scheme to evolve. With a player like Autry clogging the interior, linebackers like Eugene Asante and Cam Riley can play faster and more freely. It also opens up one-on-one opportunities for edge rushers, something Auburn desperately needs to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
“We’re going to be more aggressive up front this year,” Freeze said. “Malik is a big part of that plan.”
As fans fire up their consoles to play College Football 26, many will gravitate toward Auburn not just because of tradition or stadium atmosphere, but because of players like Malik Autry—young stars who embody the future of the program.
Whether on a video game screen or the gridiron, Autry’s impact is undeniable. For Auburn, the hope is that this early recognition is just the beginning of a dominant career—and a key piece in the Tigers’ return to national prominence.
