The Auburn Tigers and superstar linebacker Xavier Atkins are parting ways just a week after news broke that Atkins would be suspended for the game against the Georgia Bulldogs.

Reports surrounding the initial suspension revolved around Atkins being late to team meetings or having issues during practice. Now, Alex Golesh is sending a very clear message that no one player, no matter how talented, is above the program.

Sources: Auburn has dismissed star linebacker Xavier Atkins. He was suspended for win over No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, and his status had been uncertain. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025, leading the league with 17.0 TFLs. pic.twitter.com/MIXTSOYy2Y

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 20, 2026

Atkins came into the season as probably the best player on the roster. He was named to the preseason All-SEC first team after an All-American-caliber season in 2025, when he was one of the few bright spots for the Tigers and led the league with 17 tackles for loss.

Notably, Atkins did come out with a statement on his own social media around the time the news broke. He wished Auburn and his now former teammates nothing but the best and revealed he will be entering the transfer portal after the season comes to an end.

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

“I have nothing but respect [for] Auburn University and will continue to support my teammates this season,” Atkins wrote. “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.”

Where Atkins winds up next year remains to be seen, but Golesh should be commended on a move that takes a whole lot of fortitude. Even if it impacts the team negatively on the field this year, Golesh is letting everyone know that this program is building for the long term and there will be consequences for anyone who doesn’t share the vision.