Auburn’s defense just got a massive boost for 2026 - and it’s coming from the heart of their front seven.
Xavier “Deebo” Atkins, the Tigers’ first All-American linebacker in over two decades, made it official on Wednesday: he’s coming back. The sophomore announced his return on social media with a simple but powerful message - “Let’s run it back #WDE.” And with that, Auburn fans can breathe a little easier heading into what could be a pivotal year for the program.
Atkins’ decision doesn’t come out of nowhere. After the Iron Bowl, he hinted at returning, and now it’s locked in.
While he’s not yet eligible for the NFL Draft, players in his position - especially after a coaching change - often test the waters in the transfer portal. And let’s be clear: with the kind of season Atkins just had, there would’ve been no shortage of suitors.
But instead of exploring other options, he’s choosing stability, development, and another year in orange and blue.
One major factor in that decision? Auburn retaining defensive coordinator and linebackers coach DJ Durkin, the architect of a defense that took a major step forward in 2025 - and a coach who’s played a key role in Atkins’ rise.
And what a rise it’s been.
Atkins was the engine of Auburn’s defense this season, leading the team with 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. Those 17 TFLs?
That’s a new Auburn record for an inside linebacker - and the most by any underclassman since Antonio Coleman back in 2007. He wasn’t just filling up the stat sheet - he was changing games.
His dominance didn’t go unnoticed. Atkins earned First Team All-SEC honors and was recognized as an All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation, the American Football Coaches Association, and the Football Writers Association of America. That puts him in elite company and cements his status as one of the premier defensive players in the country.
He’s also the first major Auburn contributor to publicly commit to returning in 2026. That doesn’t mean he’ll be the last, but right now, he’s setting the tone - and that kind of leadership matters.
Meanwhile, Auburn’s offseason is already buzzing with movement. Fifteen players are expected to, or have already announced plans to, enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2. The biggest name so far is starting cornerback Jay Crawford, who declared his intention to transfer on Tuesday.
But amidst the uncertainty, Atkins’ return is a stabilizing force. In a time when rosters can flip in a matter of weeks, getting your All-American linebacker back - the centerpiece of your defense - is a huge win.
For Auburn, 2026 is starting to take shape. And with Xavier Atkins back in the fold, the Tigers are keeping one of their most important building blocks right where he belongs.