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Auburn just added an experienced linebacker to its defense for the 2025 season.
The Tigers picked up a commitment from former Maryland linebacker Caleb Wheatland on Sunday afternoon. Wheatland has 100 career tackles and was a 3-year contributor for the Terps before deciding to enter the transfer portal earlier this offseason.
On3’s Pete Nakos was first to share the news of Wheatland’s commitment:
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze foreshadowed this addition when discussing the Tigers’ transfer portal approach with reporters earlier this month.
“I really like our young linebackers,” Freeze told reporters recently. “Could we use one that has some experience? If one’s available, probably so.”
Wheatland brings tons of experience and production to a linebacker corps that includes young players like Demarcus Riddick, Xavier Atkins, DJ Barber, JJ Faulk, Elijah Melendez and Bryce Deas.
Wheatland earned an overall grade of 67.5 in 2024, per Pro Football Focus. He graded out as Maryland’s second-best linebacker last season (min. 400 snaps).
This is Auburn’s second transfer commitment of Easter Sunday. The Tigers also added offensive lineman Malachi Harris earlier in the day. Including Harris, Auburn is now up to 18 transfer commits so far this offseason. The class ranks No. 7, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
