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Auburn dismisses All-SEC linebacker Xavier Atkins from team in shocker
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- Auburn dismisses All-SEC linebacker Xavier Atkins from team in shocker
Auburn LB dismissed
Auburn parted ways with linebacker Xavier Atkins after a disciplinary issue, a team spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic .
Reports first emerged Monday night that Atkins had been dismissed from the team after being suspended for the 27-24 road upset of then-No. 1 Georgia on Saturday.
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He is also no longer listed on Auburn's official roster.
Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins (17) tackles Georgia Bulldogs running back Chauncey Bowens (33) during an NCAA college football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Atkins addressed the situation on social media early Tuesday morning and said he will be transferring.
"I have nothing but respect Auburn University and will continue to support my teammates this season," Atkins wrote on X . "My focus is on my health, my family, and on finishing up the academic semester strong, and I'll be entering the transfer portal at the appropriate time."
Atkins entered the season with high expectations to be one of Auburn's most important defensive players, returning to the Tigers after a first-team All-SEC season in 2025.
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Through his first four starts this season, Atkins had 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception.
The news of his dismissal broke hours after Auburn head coach Alex Golesh told reporters that the program was still evaluating Atkins' situation.
"We're still working through it," Golesh said Monday. "I don't have an update right now."
Golesh first announced Atkins' suspension last week, confirming that the linebacker would miss the game against Georgia.
"We'll keep it in house. That'll be the only piece of it that I will be addressing," Golesh said. "He won't be available for us this week for the game."
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Despite being without Atkins, Auburn showcased the other talents in its linebacker room.
The sophomore pairing of Elijah Melendez and Bryce Deas combined for 17 tackles against Georgia, with Melendez recording nine tackles, a sack, a pass breakup and an interception.
The Tigers' defense was relentless on the top-ranked Bulldogs, forcing three turnovers and holding Georgia to a season-low 113 rushing yards.
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop (18) runs as he is chased by Auburn linebackers Xavier Atkins (17) and Elijah Melendez, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. AP Photo/Wade Payne
Auburn now turns its attention to Saturday's matchup with LSU, where the Tigers will have to prepare again without one of their most productive defensive players once again.
Although the performance against Georgia was encouraging, replacing Atkins' production for the rest of the season will be another challenge for DJ Durkin's defense.
