Auburn's Xavier Atkins status unclear after Georgia upset

Listed on depth chart ahead of LSU matchup

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 33m1 min read

What happened: Alex Golesh suspended junior linebacker Xavier Atkins last Monday ahead of the Georgia game. Atkins appeared in the weekly depth chart ahead of LSU, while Golesh said Monday the staff continues to work through his status.

Why it matters: Auburn upset No. 1 Georgia without its 2025 leader in tackles, sacks and forced fumbles, who led the SEC with 17 tackles for loss. Sophomore Elijah Melendez leads Auburn in tackles this season and posted nine stops, a sack and an interception against Georgia.

By the numbers: Atkins recorded 37 tackles and 3 sacks across five games this fall before the suspension. In 2025 he started 12 games and led Auburn in tackles, solo stops, sacks and forced fumbles. Melendez totaled nine tackles, seven solos, one sack and one pass deflection against Georgia.

What to watch: Auburn faces LSU this week. Golesh's next update and game-day participation will show whether Atkins returns.

Sources

Yahoo CFB 2026-10-20T03:05:13.180356+00:00

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