Auburn underwent a coaching change, and as is usually the case these days lost a wave of talent to the transfer portal this offseason as a result. One Plainsman who chose to stay was Xavier Atkins, who announced his return before spring practice even began. His 2025 season was one of the best individual defensive performances in the SEC, finishing with 84 total tackles (good for fourth in the SEC) and leading the league in tackles for loss with 17. He also added 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception,
the pick coming in the fourth quarter of a loss at Texas A&M.
Atkins enters 2026 as a First Team Preseason All-SEC selection from Athlon Sports and has been recognized as a Second Team All-America honoree, a Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalist, and a Walter Camp Award watch list selection. He was also honored as a national defensive player of the week for his performance against Arkansas last season, a testament to how disruptive he can be even against physical offensive lines.
For Georgia, Atkins represents perhaps the single biggest problem on an otherwise rebuilding Auburn roster. A linebacker who led the SEC in tackles for loss has the ability to play in the opponent’s backfield, and Atkins also showcases the range to make plays sideline to sideline. His ability to both blitz off the edge and drop into coverage makes him difficult to scheme around. Georgia’s running backs and offensive line will need to identify him pre-snap on every play, because he has proven capable of blowing up a run before it starts or getting home on a delayed rush the protection didn’t account for.
