Linebacker Xavier Atkins has been dismissed from the Auburn University football team just five games into his second season on the plains. The announcement was given late Monday night by head coach Alex Golesh just hours after saying the pre-season All-American’s status was still undetermined and would be re-evaluated following his suspension last week, during which he wasn’t allowed to practice, travel with the team, or play in the contest on Saturday against top-ranked Georgia, which Auburn won 27-24.
When asked for the reason for the dismissal, Golesh said all conversations would remain in-house and that, from this point on, the team’s focus was preparing for the upcoming contest against LSU this Saturday.
After transferring to Auburn from LSU, the Jonesboro native had a tremendous 2025 season, posting 84 tackles, an SEC-leading 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks en route to All-American honors from multiple publications. This year, Atkins has 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks in only five games.
Shortly after the announcement, Atkins released a statement through social media.
“I have nothing but respect [for] Auburn University and will continue to support my teammates this season,” Atkins said. “My focus is on my health, my family, and on finishing up the academic semester strong, and I’ll be entering the transfer portal at the appropriate time.”
Atkins prepped at Jonesboro-Hodge High School during the 2021 to 2022 seasons, where he was a first-team All-State selection in 2021 after leading the state with 219 tackles, 180 solo stops and 27 tackles for a loss, while also accumulating 10 sacks, all JHHS single-season records. Over his two-year career, Atkins totaled 340 tackles, 284 solo stops, 47 tackles for a loss, and 13 sacks, while also registering 3 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 defensive touchdowns.
“Deebo,” as he is fondly called by friends, transferred to Summer Creek High School, located on the outskirts of Houston, Texas, where he led the team to its first-ever Class 6A state championship game, earned first-team All-State honors, and was a finalist for Mr. Texas Football, given to the top high school football player in the state.