Chris Murray, a fifth-year senior linebacker at Auburn, is stepping up as a vital player following an injury to teammate JJ Faulk during preseason preparations. As the season opener against Baylor approaches on September 5, Murray is vying for considerable playing time alongside other contenders such as Da'Shawn Womack and Jared Smith.
Auburn's coach Alex Golesh shared his excitement regarding Murray's recent performance, highlighting that he has shown impressive improvement after being sidelined for the initial week and a half of training camp due to injury. Golesh remarked on Murray's competitive spirit, noting the importance of the upcoming days for him.
Murray's football career started at TCU in 2021, where he played for two seasons before moving to Sam Houston State for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He joined Auburn prior to 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 that allowed him to extend his eligibility for a sixth year, enabling him to join the team late in the spring practice period.
Reflecting on his journey, Murray expressed that his experience as an older player is a significant advantage. He emphasized his role in mentoring younger teammates while also focusing on his own development. As Auburn gears up for its upcoming scrimmage, the team aims to finalize its lineup for the opener against Baylor, with Murray's contributions expected to be clarified as the game date nears.