- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Auburn has dismissed standout linebacker Xavier Atkins, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday night.
The move comes after Atkins was suspended for Auburn's upset victory over then-No. 1 Georgia last Saturday. Tigers head coach Alex Golesh had been vague about Atkins' future earlier that day, saying only that the program was "still working through it." Golesh had announced the suspension last Monday without providing details, stating the matter would be handled internally.
Atkins arrived at Auburn as a transfer from LSU and stayed through the coaching transition from Hugh Freeze to Golesh. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025 after leading the conference with 17 tackles for loss, and he topped the Tigers with 84 tackles and nine sacks that season.
This year, the preseason All-SEC selection started four games and posted 37 tackles, three sacks and one interception. As a third-year player, Atkins would be eligible to declare for the NFL draft.
Mickey's Angle: Auburn's defense just lost its biggest playmaker with no explanation given, so keep an eye on how the Tigers adjust their front seven and whether their run defense slips without Atkins in the rotation.
Source: ESPN - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.