Auburn LB Xavier Atkins announces return to Tigers in 2026
Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins announced his return to the Tigers in 2026, per a release on social media. He said he was ready to “run it back.”
In his first year with the Tigers, Atkins had a total of 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one interception, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery and two fumble recoveries. He started his career at LSU in 2024.
Since he was not eligible for the NFL Draft yet, given the nature of college sports these days, Atkins could’ve very well entered the transfer portal and played elsewhere in 2026. But, he’ll play under new head coach Alex Golesh.
As a member of the Class of 2024, Atkins was a four-star recruit out of Jonesboro (La.) Summer Creek (Texas), according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He was the No. 50 overall prospect in the state of Texas, the No. 24 linebacker in the class and the No. 309 overall prospect in the class.
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Atkins was named College Football’s Best Defender for October by On3 Sports’ Chris Low, a recognition that highlights one of the most dominant months any defender has had this season. He quickly established himself as the heart of the Auburn defense, as pointed out by AuburnSports’ Justin Hokanson.
Low wrote that Atkins “has blossomed this season from his inside linebacker spot,” and the numbers back it up. In three games during October, Atkins recorded 33 total tackles, including a career-high 13 in Auburn’s 33-24 win at Arkansas. Atkins’ performance against Arkansas earned him Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Low noted that “a change of scenery has been just what Atkins needed,” after a limited role as a true freshman at LSU.
“He’s definitely getting better. Eye discipline is so huge on defense that you just don’t get caught up in all the things that offenses try to show or do, and you do your assignment,” former coach Hugh Freeze said. “And I think he’s maturing and getting better each week.”