Auburn’s season has been far from smooth, with the Tigers’ sitting at 4-6 heading into their last two games following the firing head coach Hugh Freeze. Despite the challenges and another tough loss at Vanderbilt, one person has consistently stood out: linebacker Xavier Atkins.
The sophomore from Houston, Texas has been a force on the field, setting the tone for Auburn’s defense with his speed, intensity, and ability to make big plays.
Atkins joined Auburn after transferring from LSU, seeking a new opportunity to showcase his talent. He quickly became a central figure in the Tigers’ defense, bringing both energy and leadership to the linebacker corps.
This season, Atkins has lived up to the expectations. He leads the SEC with 78 total tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss, while also leading Auburn with 7.5 sacks through ten games. Atkins has recorded double-digit tackles in three games this year, including a 13-tackle performance against Arkansas that highlighted his game-changing presence. He’s already earned multiple SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors and ranks among the nation’s top defenders.
This week he adds being a Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist to his resume, an award given to the most outstanding defensive player of the year. Voting for the finalist will open on Nov. 17 and run through Nov. 24, with the three finalists set to be revealed on Nov. 27.
With just two regular-season games left, Atkins has emerged as the leader of Auburn's defense and one of the few consistent performers for the Tigers this year. Auburn must win both games to qualify for a bowl, making the final matchups especially critical. As the team aims to finish the season strong, Atkins continues to strengthen his case for postseason recognition, and his leadership will be key in helping Auburn end the year on a positive note despite coaching changes.
If the next head coach wants to succeed, keeping Atkins on the Plains will be a priority.