Auburn didn’t play as many freshmen in 2025 as it did in 2024, but two still did enough to be honored by the SEC.

Linebacker Elijah Melendez and center Kail Ellis were both named to the SEC All-Freshman team, which was announced by the conference on Thursday.

Melendez was a consistent part of the rotation at linebacker, finishing the season with 29 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and a pick-6. He played in all 12 games this season, starting one.

Ellis played in eight games for Auburn this season and started two. He took over at center after Connor Lew suffered a torn ACL, starting games against Arkansas and Kentucky. He also played extended snaps against Missouri after Lew’s injury.

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