Auburn LB Xavier Atkins announces return for 2026 season

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The news cycle revolving around Auburn football is centered around the transfer portal. Who is staying? Who is going?

Most of the news has involved those planning to leave the program. However, one player announced this week that he is staying on the Plains, which is a step in the right direction for 2026. Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins announced his plan to return to the program for the 2026 season by simply publishing "Let’s Run it back #WDE" on X.

Atkins experienced a breakout year in 2025 after transferring to Auburn from LSU. The sophomore linebacker from Houston, Texas, logged a team-leading 84 tackles this season, with nine sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and an interception. He tied Missouri's Josiah Trotter for third in the SEC in tackles and finished tied for third place in sacks with Missouri's Damon Wilson, and was 2.5 sacks away from tying Texas A&M's Cashius Howell for the top spot in the SEC.

Atkins started all 12 of Auburn's games in 2025, where he totaled 712 snaps. He also earned the highest pass rush grade in the country among linebackers according to Pro Football Focus, with a 90.7. Atkins accumulated the grade by creating 25 pressures in 2026, with 11 quarterback hurries and nine sacks.

His return is a win for the defense, as Atkins will play at least one more season with DJ Durkin. The Auburn defense ranked No. 7 in the SEC in total defense, No. 8 in scoring defense, and No. 4 in run defense. Having Atkins back in the mix will push Auburn in a favorable direction to capitalize on their 2025 success.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football to keep Xavier Atkins for 2026 season

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