Auburn has dismissed star linebacker Xavier Atkins, according to sources who spoke with ESPN on Monday night. Atkins had been suspended for the team's win over then-No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, and his future with the program had been uncertain.
Auburn coach Alex Golesh had been noncommittal about Atkins' future earlier Monday, telling reporters that Auburn was "still working through it." Golesh had announced Atkins' suspension from the team the previous Monday, ahead of the Georgia game. No reason was disclosed, as Golesh said the matter would be handled "in house."
Atkins was one of the top returning players on the Auburn roster heading into 2026. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025, leading the league with 17 tackles for loss, and was an All-SEC preseason team pick by the conference's coaches. He led the Tigers with 84 tackles and nine sacks last season, making him one of the most productive linebackers in college football.
Atkins began his career at LSU and remained with Auburn after transferring, continuing through the coaching change from Hugh Freeze to Golesh. This season, he started four games and recorded 37 tackles, three sacks and an interception. Atkins is a third-year player who would be eligible for the NFL draft if he elected to leave school.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing