Auburn Dismisses Xavier Atkins, Who Plans to Transfer

Auburn has dismissed linebacker Xavier Atkins after suspending him for the October 18 game against Georgia, and Atkins says he plans to enter the transfer portal. The reason for his suspension and dismissal has not been disclosed. The dismissal was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Auburn coach Alex Golesh announced on October 12 that Atkins would miss the Georgia game, but declined to explain why, saying the matter would remain internal. On October 19, Golesh said the team was still working through the situation. Atkins said in a social media statement that he intends to enter the transfer portal and will support Auburn for the remainder of the season. He also said his focus was on his health, family and completing the academic semester. He has not specified when he will enter the portal. The junior had been a key contributor on Auburn’s defense. Through the team’s first five games of 2026, he recorded 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025 after recording 17 tackles for loss, the most in the conference, along with nine sacks. Atkins began his college career at LSU before transferring to Auburn after his freshman season....