Xavier Atkins named semi-finalists for Chuck Bednarik Award

Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins is a semi-finalists for the 31st Chuck Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Tuesday.

The Chuck Bednarik Award is award to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player annually. Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA head football coaches, sports information directors, and selected national media are eligible voters for the award.

Voting for finalists will commence Nov. 17 and conclude on Nov. 24, with the three finalists announced Nov. 27.

Atkins, who transferred from LSU to Auburn over the offseason, is one of the most productive players in the SEC this season. He leads both Auburn and the conference with 78 tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss.

The sophomore from Houston, Texas, has recorded double-digit tackles in three SEC games this season for Auburn. His 13-tackle, 4.0 tackle-for-loss and 2.0 sack performance against Arkansas earlier this year earned him SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, as well as the Bronco Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week honors.

The winner of this year’s Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced Dec. 11, 2025 on the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

The Maxwell Football Club is proud to announce the semifinalists for the 2025 #BednarikAward ‼️Congratulations to all of the outstanding student athletes! 🏈#MaxwellFootball🏆 pic.twitter.com/PfUSw64jaE

— Maxwell Football (@MaxwellFootball) November 11, 2025