Auburn has dismissed star linebacker Xavier Atkins, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported. Atkins was suspended for Saturday’s win over No. 1 Georgia, and his status had been uncertain. Atkins earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025 after leading the league with 17.0 tackles for loss. In a statement, Atkins said he respects Auburn, will continue supporting his teammates, is focused on his health, family and finishing the academic semester, and plans to enter the transfer portal at the appropriate time.