Double Return: Auburn Bolsters Defense as Maryland LB Caleb Wheatland and Former Tiger Jay Hardy Head to the Plains for One Final Run
AUBURN, AL — The Plains just got louder, tougher, and a whole lot more dangerous. In a strategic offseason shake-up, Auburn Football has landed not one, but two major defensive reinforcements: Maryland linebacker Caleb Wheatland and Liberty defensive lineman Jay Hardy, who’s making a dramatic return to his roots.
Both players have officially committed to Auburn with one year of eligibility remaining, and both bring with them the kind of experience, power, and hunger that could reshape the Tigers’ defensive identity heading into the 2025 season.
Caleb Wheatland: Maryland Standout Brings Big Ten Bite to the SEC
A three-year contributor and last season’s starter at Maryland, Caleb Wheatland was a cornerstone of the Terrapins’ defense — a linebacker known for his instinctive reads, sideline-to-sideline range, and bone-jarring hits.
During his tenure in College Park, Wheatland accumulated:
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100 total tackles
-
7.5 sacks
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A reputation for delivering in the clutch
Standing at 6’1″, 235 lbs, Wheatland is the kind of linebacker Auburn fans have been craving: smart, aggressive, and relentless. His transfer marks a major acquisition for head coach Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who are aiming to inject leadership and grit into the Tigers’ linebacker corps.
“You can tell Caleb has been battle-tested in one of the toughest conferences in college football,” said a Big Ten analyst. “He’s coming into Auburn with that alpha mentality — and he’s coming to make a statement.”
Wheatland is expected to compete for a starting role immediately and serve as a mentor to Auburn’s younger defensive players, providing not just physicality but also the experience of high-stakes football.
Jay Hardy: A Homecoming Full of Purpose
For Jay Hardy, this transfer isn’t just a career move — it’s a return to unfinished business.
The 6’4”, 300-pound defensive lineman started his college journey right here at Auburn. After redshirting his freshman year, Hardy sought opportunities at Liberty University, where he flourished as a steady contributor on the Flames’ defensive line. Over three seasons at Liberty, he logged:
-
22 solo tackles
-
2 sacks
-
Countless plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet but made an impact in the trenches
Now, Hardy returns to Auburn with more experience, added muscle, and a drive to close out his college career in the very place it
Double Return: Auburn Bolsters Defense as Maryland LB Caleb Wheatland and Former Tiger Jay Hardy Head to the Plains for One Final Run
AUBURN, AL — The Plains just got louder, tougher, and a whole lot more dangerous. In a strategic offseason shake-up, Auburn Football has landed not one, but two major defensive reinforcements: Maryland linebacker Caleb Wheatland and Liberty defensive lineman Jay Hardy, who’s making a dramatic return to his roots.
Both players have officially committed to Auburn with one year of eligibility remaining, and both bring with them the kind of experience, power, and hunger that could reshape the Tigers’ defensive identity heading into the 2025 season.
Caleb Wheatland: Maryland Standout Brings Big Ten Bite to the SEC
A three-year contributor and last season’s starter at Maryland, Caleb Wheatland was a cornerstone of the Terrapins’ defense — a linebacker known for his instinctive reads, sideline-to-sideline range, and bone-jarring
During his tenure in College Park, Wheatland accumulated:
-
100 total tackles
-
7.5 sacks
-
A reputation for delivering in the clutch
Standing at 6’1″, 235 lbs, Wheatland is the kind of linebacker Auburn fans have been craving: smart, aggressive, and relentless. His transfer marks a major acquisition for head coach Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, who are aiming to inject leadership and grit into the Tigers’ linebacker corps.
“You can tell Caleb has been battle-tested in one of the toughest conferences in college football,” said a Big Ten analyst. “He’s coming into Auburn with that alpha mentality — and he’s coming to make a statement.”
Wheatland is expected to compete for a starting role immediately and serve as a mentor to Auburn’s younger defensive players, providing not just physicality but also the experience of high-stakes football.
Jay Hardy: A Homecoming Full of Purpose
For Jay Hardy, this transfer isn’t just a career move — it’s a return to unfinished business.
The 6’4”, 300-pound defensive lineman started his college journey right here at Auburn. After redshirting his freshman year, Hardy sought opportunities at Liberty University, where he flourished as a steady contributor on the Flames’ defensive line. Over three seasons at Liberty, he logged:
-
22 solo tackles
-
2 sacks
-
Countless plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet but made an impact in the trenches
Now, Hardy returns to Auburn with more experience, added muscle, and a drive to close out his college career in the very place it began — only this time, he’s ready to make waves.
“Coming back to Auburn means everything to me,” Hardy said. “I’m stronger, smarter, and hungrier. I left a piece of my heart here, and now I get the chance to finish the story.”
Hardy’s return also adds significant depth to a defensive line rotation that’s expected to face some of the nation’s toughest offenses. His ability to plug gaps, collapse the pocket, and bring veteran savvy to the unit could prove vital.
One Year. Two Game-Changers. A Revamped Defense.
Both Wheatland and Hardy bring something Auburn desperately needs in 2025: SEC-ready experience and mental toughness. With only one year left, they’re not here to ease in — they’re here to compete, to contribute, and to win.
Their arrival sends a clear message: Auburn is serious about climbing the SEC ladder again, and they’re assembling a defense that can hit, hustle, and hold strong in the biggest moments.
Fanbase Reactions and What’s Next
The news of the dual transfer immediately ignited buzz across Auburn social media channels. Fans praised the staff’s recruiting efforts and expressed excitement about the incoming veterans.
“Wheatland’s a monster, and Hardy coming back? Let’s gooooo!” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“This defense is starting to look dangerous. Freeze is cooking.”
With spring practices ramping up and summer workouts ahead, all eyes will be on these two newcomers as they integrate into the Tigers’ system and prepare for one last college campaign.
Final Word
In the modern college football landscape, the transfer portal can change everything — and Auburn just proved that again.
Two proven defenders. One final ride. A chance to make history.
Auburn’s defense just got deeper, meaner, and a lot more exciting.