Auburn dismisses linebacker Xavier Atkins, who plans to enter transfer portal in January

Auburn has dismissed All-American junior linebacker Xavier Atkins, who had been suspended and held out of the team's win over Georgia, according to 247Sports. Head coach Alex Golesh declined to detail the circumstances, saying his conversations with Atkins would stay private. Atkins, a former LSU transfer in his second season at Auburn, announced on social media that he intends to join the transfer portal once the current academic semester concludes. The next portal window, which opens Jan. 4, 2027, and runs for 10 days, is when Atkins would be eligible to make his move official.

Why it matters

For coaches: Auburn's coaching staff must adjust its linebacker depth chart mid-season after losing a team leader in tackles and sacks.

For athletes: Atkins retains a year of eligibility and will be among the most prominent defenders available when the January portal window opens.

For collectives: Programs recruiting Atkins through the portal will need to account for the off-field circumstances that led to his dismissal.

Read the full story at CBS Sports

Sources

CBS Sports · Brad Crawford: Auburn dismisses Xavier Atkins, All-American defender reveals intentions to enter transfer portal
Yahoo Sports college football: Auburn LB Xavier Atkins to enter transfer portal after reported dismissal from team

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