Sources: Auburn dismisses star linebacker Atkins, who plans to enter portal

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Auburn has dismissed star linebacker Xavier Atkins, sources told ESPN on Monday night.

Atkins was suspended for the win over then-No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, and his status had been uncertain for the immediate future. Auburn coach Alex Golesh had been noncommittal about Atkins' future earlier Monday, telling reporters that Auburn was "still working through it."

Golesh had announced Atkins' suspension from the team last Monday, ahead of the Georgia game. No reason was disclosed, as Golesh said the matter would be handled "in house."

Atkins was one of the top returning players on the Auburn roster heading into 2026. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025, leading the league with 17.0 tackles for loss. He was an All-SEC preseason team pick by the league's coaches.

He had earned those accolades by being one of the most productive linebackers in college football last season. He led the Tigers with 84 tackles and nine sacks.

Atkins began his career at LSU and after transferring remained with Auburn through the coaching change from Hugh Freeze to Golesh from 2025 to 2026.

This season, Atkins started four games. He had 37 tackles, three sacks and an interception. Atkins is a third-year player who would be eligible for the NFL draft if he elected to leave school.