Auburn Linebacker Xavier Atkins Dismissed From Team

Auburn has parted ways with linebacker Xavier Atkins due to a disciplinary matter, a team spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic. The dismissal comes after Atkins was suspended for the team's road upset victory over then-No. 1 Georgia.

Atkins is no longer listed on Auburn's official roster. He addressed the situation on social media, stating his intention to transfer. "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 was considered one of Auburn's key defensive players heading into the season, returning after earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2025. In his first four starts this season, he recorded 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one interception.

The news of his dismissal broke after head coach Alex Golesh initially 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 had previously announced Atkins' suspension for the Georgia game, stating, "He won't be available for us this week for the game." He declined to provide further details, calling it an internal matter.

Despite Atkins' absence, Auburn's defense performed strongly against Georgia, forcing three turnovers and limiting the Bulldogs to a season-low 113 rushing yards. The sophomore linebacker duo of Elijah Melendez and Bryce Deas combined for 17 tackles in that game, with Melendez contributing nine tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, and an interception.

Auburn will now prepare for its upcoming matchup against LSU without Atkins, facing the challenge of replacing his production for the remainder of the season.