Chris Murray, a fifth-year senior linebacker for Auburn, is positioning himself for a vital role following an injury to teammate JJ Faulk during preseason camp. As Auburn gears up for its season opener against Baylor on September 5, Murray is competing for substantial playing time alongside Da'Shawn Womack and Jared Smith.
Auburn head coach Alex Golesh expressed his excitement about Murray's recent performance, highlighting his impressive recovery after being sidelined for the initial week and a half of camp due to injury. Golesh remarked on Murray's strong showing, stating that he is vying to be one of the top two linebackers, with critical days ahead for his chances.
Murray's football career began at TCU in 2021, where he played for two seasons before moving to Sam Houston State for 2023 and 2024. He joined Auburn before the 2025 season, where he recorded 15 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss in his first year.
In March, he received a waiver from the NCAA for an additional sixth year of eligibility, which allowed him to join the team later in the spring practice.
Reflecting on his journey, Murray noted the advantages of his experience, saying that being older has helped him guide younger teammates on the field. As Auburn prepares for its upcoming scrimmage, the team is finalizing its lineup for the opener against Baylor, with Murray's role expected to become clearer as the game date nears.