Former LSU football linebacker putting up monster numbers with SEC rival in 2025

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Xavier Atkins entered the transfer portal in January after spending just one season with LSU football. The four-star linebacker played just 31 snaps as a true freshman in 2024 and decided to seek greener pastures.

Atkins found them at Auburn. The sophomore is in the midst of a breakout year on the plains. Auburn's defense is one of the best in the country, with Atkins a key contributor.

With 45 stops on the year, Atkins has 13 more than any other SEC linebacker. The gap between Atkins and CJ Allen at two is the same distance between CJ Allen and 28.

The resume doesn't end there. Atkins leads SEC linebackers with 19 pressures and eight sacks. And just for good measure, he's picked off a pass and forced three fumbles.

No other linebacker is producing at this level right now.

Seeing Atkins succeed like this at Auburn is a bittersweet feeling for LSU. The four-star linebacker is from Jonesboro, Louisiana. LSU doesn't look good when Louisiana four-stars go on to be real difference makers at SEC rivals.

At this point, Atkins is a lock to be first-team All-SEC and will be under consideration for SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Ex-LSU linebacker having monster season with SEC rival

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