Elijah Melendez is an American football linebacker for the Auburn Tigers.
Early life Melendez attended Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida. He was rated as a four-star recruit by 247Sports and committed to play college football for the Miami Hurricanes over offers from Auburn, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss. However, Melendez eventually de-committed from the Hurricanes and reopened his recruitment. Ultimately, he committed to play for the Auburn Tigers.
College career As a freshman during the 2025 season, Melendez notched 29 tackles with three for a loss, a sack, two interceptions, and a touchdown, earning SEC all-Freshman honors. After the season, he announced his return to the Tigers for the 2026 season. In the 2026 season opener, Melendez recorded 12 tackles with a tackle and a half for a loss, and two pass deflections in a win over Baylor.
References
External links Auburn Tigers bio