Overview
- Multiple outlets, citing ESPN’s Pete Thamel, reported late Monday that Auburn removed Xavier Atkins from the football program after an internal disciplinary review.
- Atkins had been suspended and did not play in Auburn’s 27-24 upset of then-No. 1 Georgia on Oct. 17, a game the Tigers won on Alex McPherson’s last-second field goal.
- A 2025 All‑American who transferred from LSU, Atkins posted 84 tackles and 17 tackles for loss last season and had 37 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss through five games this year.
- Coach Alex Golesh declined to disclose specifics when the suspension was announced, and the staff is shifting linebacker snaps to Elijah Melendez, Bryce Deas and Demarcus Riddick for upcoming games.
- Atkins released a statement saying he respects Auburn, will focus on his health and academics, and plans to enter the transfer portal after the semester.