Auburn football LB Xavier Atkins won't play against Georgia

Auburn football linebacker Xavier Atkins will not take part in the upcoming game against No. 1 ranked Georgia, according to head coach Alex Golesh. Atkins had been projected as a standout player entering the season, having earned two preseason All-America selections and four All-SEC awards in his first year. In five games, he accumulated 37 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, and an interception.

After transferring from LSU to Auburn, Atkins amassed a total of 712 snaps and led the team in tackles (84), tackles for loss (17), and sacks (9). He also led the SEC in tackles for loss. Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin played a significant role in securing Atkins' transfer from Texas A&M, where he had already received several accolades. Durkin expressed his high expectations for Atkins upon his arrival at Auburn.