Overview
- The sophomore linebacker announced his decision on Dec. 17 by posting “Let’s run it back #WDE” on X.
- Atkins led Auburn with 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 2025, earning first-team All-SEC and All-America recognition from multiple organizations.
- He is Auburn’s first All-American linebacker in more than 20 years, underscoring his importance to the program’s outlook.
- Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach DJ Durkin remains on staff, a continuity choice credited with guiding Atkins’ development.
- The transfer portal opens Jan. 2, with roughly 15 Tigers expected or declared to enter, including starting cornerback Jay Crawford; Atkins had signaled after the Iron Bowl that he planned to return and he is not draft-eligible.