Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins is no longer a member of the football program following a disciplinary issue that kept him out of Saturday's upset victory over No. 1 Georgia.
Trusted sources reported and confirmed late Monday night that Atkins had been dismissed from the team. He is also no longer listed on Auburn's official roster.
The news comes just hours after Auburn head coach Alex Golesh told reporters that the program was still evaluating Atkins' situation.
"We're still working through it. I don't have an update right now," Golesh said during Monday's press conference.
Golesh initially announced Atkins' suspension last week, making it clear that the linebacker would not be available against Georgia.
"We'll keep it in house. That'll be the only piece of it that I will be addressing. He won't be available for us this week for the game," Golesh said at the time.
No specific reason for Atkins' dismissal has been publicly disclosed.
Atkins was expected to be one of Auburn's most important defensive players this season after earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2025.
He finished last season with 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks, establishing himself as one of the conference's most productive linebackers.
Through four starts this season, Atkins recorded 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception.
His departure is certainly a significant loss for Auburn's defense, but the Tigers showed Saturday that they have other players capable of stepping up.
Elijah Melendez and Bryce Deas combined for 17 tackles against Georgia, with Melendez recording nine tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, and an interception.
Auburn also held Georgia to just 113 rushing yards, a significant improvement from its previous performances against Florida and Tennessee.
And I think that's encouraging considering the circumstances.
Deas and De'Marcus Riddick will likely continue receiving additional opportunities alongside Melendez as Auburn moves forward without Atkins.
Atkins also addressed the situation on social media Monday night.
"I have nothing but respect Auburn University and will continue to support my teammates this season," Atkins wrote.
He added that his focus would be on his health, family, and finishing the academic semester before entering the transfer portal at the appropriate time.
I have nothing but respect Auburn University and will continue to support my teammates this season. My focus is on my health, my family, and on finishing up the academic semester strong, and I’ll be entering the transfer portal at the appropriate time.
— Xavier “DEEBO” Atkins (@XavierAtkins8) October 20, 2026
Auburn now turns its attention to Saturday's matchup against LSU, where the Tigers will once again have to prepare without one of their most productive defensive players.
And while the performance against Georgia was encouraging, replacing Atkins' production for the remainder of the season will be another challenge for DJ Durkin's defense.