Linebacker Elijah Melendez and center Kail Ellis from Auburn have been selected for the Freshman All-SEC Team, according to an announcement by the Southeastern Conference on Thursday.
Melendez, who is from Kissimmee, Florida, completed his first season with 29 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions. His top performance came against Georgia where he made six tackles—five of them solo—and recorded a sack. He secured his first interception in a game against Kentucky and scored his first career touchdown with a pick-six against Mercer.
Ellis, recognized as college football’s youngest player in 2025 at age 17, played his debut game against Ball State on September 6. He started for the first time on October 25 and contributed to Auburn’s road victory over Arkansas by helping the team achieve 230 rushing yards.
These honors add to other postseason recognitions for Auburn players this year. Keyron Crawford, Xavier Atkins, and Rayshawn Pleasant were named to Pro Football and Sports Network’s All-SEC first team. Jeremiah Cobb was placed on PFSN’s All-SEC third team. Additionally, Atkins received first team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press while Robert Woodyard Jr. was acknowledged by Pro Football Focus.
Kicker Alex McPherson was awarded the Pat Sullivan Impact Award by Birmingham’s Monday Morning Quarterback Club. The same organization also named Atkins as the SEC’s Most Valuable Lineman.
“Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer”
