Skip to main content
Auburn

Auburn’s Xavier Atkins named nation's 'Best Defender' for October

Justin Hokansonby: Justin Hokanson21 hours ago_JHokanson
Xavier Atkins (Photo by Matt Rudolph/AuburnSports)
Xavier Atkins (Photo by Matt Rudolph/AuburnSports)

Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins was named College Football’s Best Defender for October by On3 Sports’ Chris Low, a recognition that highlights one of the most dominant months any defender has had this season.

Atkins, a transfer from LSU, has quickly established himself as the heart of Auburn’s defense.

Low wrote that Atkins “has blossomed this season from his inside linebacker spot,” and the numbers back it up. In three games during October, Atkins recorded 33 total tackles, including a career-high 13 in Auburn’s 33-24 win at Arkansas. Atkins’ performance against Arkansas earned him Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

He added four sacks over the last two games and now leads the SEC with 13 tackles for loss, showing his ability to disrupt plays at every level. Atkins is second in total tackles (61) and third in sacks (7).

Low noted that “a change of scenery has been just what Atkins needed,” after a limited role as a true freshman at LSU.

Atkins also forced a fumble in the Arkansas win and logged four quarterback hurries in the month. His knack for creating havoc has become a defining feature of Auburn’s defensive resurgence, one that ranks among the SEC’s best against the run.

“He’s definitely getting better. Eye discipline is so huge on defense that you just don’t get caught up in all the things that offenses try to show or do, and you do your assignment, and I think he’s maturing and getting better each week,” Freeze said after Auburn’s win in Fayetteville.

Even before October, Atkins had shown flashes of his impact. In Auburn’s late-September matchup at Texas A&M, he intercepted a pass and returned it 73 yards, setting up the Tigers’ lone touchdown in a 16-10 loss. That play hinted at what was to come—a breakout stretch that’s now earned national recognition.

Since arriving on the Plains, Atkins has turned potential into production, becoming one of the most complete defenders in the country. If October was any indication, Auburn’s rising star at linebacker is only getting started.