Xavier Atkins, the former Jonesboro-Hodge High School two-time All-Stater and now a starting linebacker at Auburn University, is quickly becoming one of the most recognized defensive players in college football heading into the 2026 season!

After a MONSTER breakout year in his first season at Auburn in 2025, where he started 12 games and became one of the most disruptive linebackers in the SEC, compiling 84 tackles, 60 solo tackles, 17 tackles for a loss (#1 in the SEC), 9 sacks, and 1 interception to earn All-SEC honors, Atkins continues to pile up NCAA preseason recognition.

🏆 2026 PRESEASON HONORS
⭐ Walter Camp Player of the Year Preseason Watch List
⭐ Dick Butkus Award Preseason Watch List
⭐ Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
⭐ AP First-Team Preseason All-American
⭐ Walter Camp First-Team Preseason All-American
⭐ Sporting News First-Team Preseason All-American
⭐ First-Team Preseason All-SEC

While first-year Auburn head coach Alex Golesh and Defensive Coordinator D.J. Durkin are pleased that Atkins, who is expected to be the centerpiece of the Auburn defense in 2026, has received the well-deserved national recognition, the best thing that they have witnessed to date is his mindset.

“Despite all the preseason awards and national recognition, he’s keeping his focus where it belongs, reminding everyone that awards aren’t won in the preseason,” said Golesh. “Now it’s about taking all that preseason hype and proving it when the lights come on!”

Auburn opens the 2026 season against Baylor in the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta on September 5.