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Status of Auburn's Xavier Atkins Still Up in Air After Georgia Upset

Auburn’s stunning upset of Georgia last weekend was made even more remarkable by the absence of their star linebacker, Xavier Atkins, who remains suspended and unlikely to play this week against LSU. The junior, a 2025 Second Team All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Week, led the Tigers in tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles last season, including a conference-leading 17 tackles for loss.

His omission from the Georgia game drew criticism, but Auburn’s defense still dominated, forcing three turnovers—one of them an interception by sophomore Elijah Melendez, who stepped up with nine total tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection. Melendez, now the team’s leading tackler and defensive producer, is on pace to surpass Atkins’ 2025 tackle numbers while filling the void left by the suspended star.

Head coach DJ Durkin has not confirmed whether Atkins will return for the LSU matchup, leaving Auburn fans hopeful but uncertain about the team’s top defensive playmaker’s availability.

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Auburn make final decision on suspended linebacker Xavier Atkins