Jeremiah Ratliff was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the 7th round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Ratliff's versatility proved to be a valuable commodity for the Tigers' coaching staff since he arrived on campus as a freshman. The blue-collar work ethic he displayed was greatly appreciated by the team. Ratliff originally began his Auburn career as a tight end, moving to defensive end as a sophomore and then to defensive tackle in his final campaign.

Ratliff played in a run-oriented offense at Lowndes County High School. As a tight end, he caught 46 passes for 701 yards and scored seven touchdowns as a senior, leading the team to the state championship, despite missing three games with a knee injury. He earned Class 4A all-state, All-USA Today honorable mention, Atlanta Journal-Constitution "Super Southern 100" and "Georgia 75" and Georgia High School Football "Magnificent Seven" honors. He was rated one of the top 25 players in the state of Georgia according to SuperPrep and received PrepStar All-America honors (that service rated him the No. 3 tight end in the Southeast). He also lettered in track and basketball, averaging 18 points and 18 rebounds as a junior.

Ratliff spent the 2000 season improving his academics at Hargrave Military Academy. He arrived on Auburn's campus in 2001, playing 12 games as a tight end, where he caught two passes for 20 yards. Ratliff shifted to defensive end in 2002. He started eight games, despite being bothered by a shoulder injury. Ratliff would finish his sophomore season with 37 tackles (16 solos), a sack, 10 stops for losses and two forced fumbles.

Ratliff played in nine games, earning one start at defensive end in 2003. He was bothered all season by a high ankle sprain that limited his playing time, as he finished with 7 tackles (4 solos) and a stop behind the line of scrimmage. He returned fully recovered in 2004, but shifted inside to defensive tackle, where the unit was depleted by graduation. He started every game, producing 37 tackles (17 solos) with a sack, four stops for losses, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.

For his career, Ratliff started 22 of 34 games. He recorded 81 tackles (37 solos) with two sacks for minus-15 yards, 15 stops for losses of 46 yards and 12 quarterback pressures. He caused three fumbles, recovered another and also deflected a pass.