Auburn LB Xavier Atkins named a semifinalist for Bednarik Award

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One of Auburn football's top defensive pieces is in the running to win a national award.

Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins was included in the list of semifinalists for the Bednarik Award, the award given to the nation's most outstanding defensive player.

Atkins, who transferred to Auburn from LSU during the offseason, is enjoying the best season of his young collegiate career. The sophomore from Houston, Texas, leads the team in tackles with 78 and sacks with 7.5. He also leads the SEC in tackles and ranks No. 4 in the SEC in sacks. He has recorded 10-or-more tackles three times this season, with his best game coming against Arkansas last month, when he registered 13 tackles and two sacks.

According to Auburn Athletics, the winner of the 31st Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show, which will be broadcast live on ESPN on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The formal presentation of the Chuck Bednarik Award will take place at the 89th Maxwell Awards Gala, which will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football LB Xavier Atkins named Bednarik Award semifinalist

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