Sports · American Football · 8 hrs ago
Auburn dismisses linebacker Xavier Atkins, who plans to enter transfer portal
Auburn has dismissed linebacker Xavier Atkins after suspending him for its win over Georgia.
The junior had been one of the Tigers’ leading defenders and earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025.
Atkins says he plans to enter the transfer portal at the end of the semester, though the portal does not open until Jan.
4, 2027.
Auburn has not disclosed why Atkins was suspended or dismissed, and coach Alex Golesh said the matter would be handled internally.
Atkins began his college career at LSU before transferring to Auburn and has another year of college eligibility.
His departure leaves Auburn without a key defender as the team continues its season.
De’Marcus Riddick is expected to take on a bigger role at linebacker as he returns from a shoulder injury.
Auburn dismissed linebacker Xavier Atkins after suspending him for its game against Georgia.
Atkins said he plans to enter the transfer portal at the end of the semester.
The junior has another year of college eligibility, and the portal cycle is scheduled to open Jan. 4, 2027.
Auburn did not disclose the reason for his suspension or dismissal.
Atkins recorded 37 tackles and three sacks this season.
- Who
- Auburn dismissed linebacker Xavier Atkins, who plans to enter the transfer portal.
- What
- Auburn dismissed Atkins after suspending him for the Georgia game. He said he intends to enter the portal at the end of the semester.
- When
- Auburn announced the dismissal on Monday, Oct. 19, according to ESPN. Atkins shared his portal plans early Tuesday.
- Where
- Auburn University.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Golesh announced that Atkins was suspended from the team ahead of the Georgia game.
Atkins did not play as Auburn beat Georgia.
Auburn dismissed Atkins, according to ESPN sources.
Atkins said on social media that he intends to enter the transfer portal at the end of the semester.
The transfer portal cycle is scheduled to open for 10 days.
- Player
- Xavier Atkins
- Team
- Auburn Tigers
- 2026 season
- 37 tackles and three sacks in five starts, according to CBS Sports
- 2025 season
- 84 tackles and nine sacks
- Portal plans
- Atkins said he intends to enter at the end of the semester
- Portal opening
- Jan. 4, 2027, for 10 days
3 sources
What people are saying
I have nothing but respect for Auburn University and will continue to support my teammates this season
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.
still working through it
in house
Posts on X
I have nothing but respect Auburn University and will continue to support my teammates this season. 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.