Auburn Adds SEC-Experienced Edge Rusher Da’Shawn Womack from Ole Miss

Auburn football bolstered its defensive front on Saturday by adding edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack, a transfer from Ole Miss. The signing comes at a critical time for the Tigers, who lost key contributors along the defensive line and linebacker positions following the 2025 season. Womack’s addition brings size, athleticism, and SEC experience to a unit in need of depth and versatility.

Womack, who has one year of eligibility remaining, previously played at LSU and Ole Miss. A highly touted recruit from the 2023 class, he was ranked as the No. 3 edge rusher nationally and a consensus top-100 prospect. His pedigree and experience make him an immediate contributor for Auburn’s defensive staff.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Womack attended St. Frances Academy, a powerhouse program with strong ties to Auburn. The Tigers already roster several former St. Frances players, including Bryce Deas, Blake Woodby, Darrion Smith, and Wayne Henry. Womack also maintains a connection with Auburn assistant edge coach Wayne Dorsey, who coached him for four years, a relationship that helped guide his decision to join the Tigers.

Over three SEC seasons, Womack has shown steady production and growth. At LSU, he totaled 21 tackles with 2.5 sacks across 20 games, adding quarterback hurries, pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. His performance at Ole Miss in 2025 saw a career-high 27 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble, highlighting his ability to impact both the run and pass game.

1. SEC Experience and Versatility

Womack’s time in the SEC has provided him with extensive exposure to elite competition. Across LSU and Ole Miss, he faced top-tier offensive lines and quarterbacks, giving him the experience to thrive immediately in Auburn’s system. His combination of size (6-foot-5, 265 pounds) and athleticism makes him a disruptive presence along the edge. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks. In his collegiate career, Womack recorded 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and seven quarterback pressures in addition to contributing in coverage with four pass deflections. This blend of skills allows him to line up as either a defensive end or a buck linebacker, giving Auburn defensive coordinator Alex Golesh flexibility in schematic design. Womack’s production during Ole Miss’s 2025 College Football Playoff run further highlights his readiness. He contributed seven tackles during the postseason, including four against Tulane in the opening round. These performances underscore his ability to perform in high-pressure situations against elite opponents. Beyond statistics, Womack brings intangible benefits in leadership and experience. Having navigated multiple programs and facing consistent SEC competition, he provides younger players with a model for preparation and resilience while reinforcing Auburn’s culture of toughness along the defensive front.

2. Immediate Impact for Auburn

Auburn’s defensive line and buck linebacker corps suffered significant losses after the 2025 season, including departures of Keldric Faulk, Amaris Williams, Keyron Crawford, and Chris Murray. Womack’s versatility allows him to fill multiple roles, addressing both depth and experience gaps in the rotation. As a transfer, Womack becomes Auburn’s 29th commit in this class and ranks as the third-highest-rated transfer, trailing only quarterback Byrum Brown and tying with running back Bryson Washington. His arrival elevates the overall talent and depth of the incoming roster. Head coach Alex Golesh and his staff can now incorporate Womack into various defensive packages, from base sets to nickel and blitz-heavy schemes. His ability to shift between defensive end and buck linebacker creates matchup advantages and allows Auburn to apply pressure without overextending starters. The timing of Womack’s addition is critical, giving the Tigers ample opportunity to integrate him into spring practice and offseason preparation. His presence sets a tone for the 2026 defensive unit and enhances Auburn’s ability to compete against a challenging SEC schedule.

3. Outlook for 2026

With Womack joining the defensive front, Auburn enters the 2026 season with renewed depth and versatility along the edge. His SEC experience ensures that he can step in immediately and contribute at a high level. The Tigers’ defensive staff now has greater flexibility in designing pressure packages and rotations, reducing reliance on untested players and allowing for strategic matchups against diverse offensive schemes. Womack’s arrival complements other incoming transfers and returning players, creating a balanced roster with a mix of talent, size, and experience. His ability to impact both the run and pass game strengthens Auburn’s overall defensive outlook. Ultimately, Womack’s commitment signals Auburn’s commitment to rebuilding a dominant and adaptable defensive front, positioning the Tigers for competitiveness in the SEC during the 2026 campaign.