Xavier Atkins is returning to Auburn for another season, giving the Tigers stability at linebacker and keeping one of the SEC’s most productive defenders in place.

Atkins announced his return on Wednesday via social media. He used the phrase “Let’s run it back!” with his social media graphic.

For defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, Atkins’ decision is incredibly meaningful.

Durkin has known Atkins for years and recruited him long before he arrived at Auburn. That history shaped how Durkin viewed Atkins’ breakout season and why his return carries weight.

“The results of all that is in large part like why you coach,” Durkin said this week during a War Eagle+ interview released on Wednesday. “Meaning this, I’ve known Xavier since he was a young guy in high school and recruited him all along.”

Durkin recruited Atkins before Atkins chose LSU out of high school. Atkins’ decision to transfer to Auburn was in large part because of his relationship with Durkin and Durkin’s belief in what Atkins could become.

ADOB: ATKINS’ RETURN A MASSIVE ADDITION

The 6-foot, 210-pound defender posted impressive numbers throughout his standout season, topping Auburn’s roster with 84 total tackles while recording a conference-leading 17.0 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and adding 9.0 quarterback sacks.

Atkins’ 17.0 tackles for loss set a single season record for an Auburn interior linebacker and represented the highest total by a freshman or sophomore defender since Antonio Coleman’s 18.5 in 2007. Both his tackle and sack numbers placed him third across the SEC, with 13.0 of his tackles for loss occurring during conference games, the most in the league.

All of that production landed Atkins Walter Camp and Football Writers of America Association All-American honors, along with being named First Team All-SEC by the coaches and AP.

Durkin said Atkins’ path makes his success even more rewarding.

“Knowing his background, what he’s come from and some of the hardships he’s had. Then recruiting him to come here as a transfer and hearing him voice to me what he wants to do,” Durkin said. “And you hear people a lot of times say, these are the things I wanna do, what I wanna accomplish.”

The difference, Durkin added, came in the follow-through.

“What this is going to be like, but it’s a whole other thing to then put the action behind it,” he said. “And since day one, since he got here last spring, he has worked to come up with those results. He’s been one of the hardest workers at our practice.”

Atkins is Auburn’s first All-American linebacker since Karlos Dansby in 2003. He is Auburn’s first All-American overall since Roger McCreary in 2021.

Atkins’ rise wasn’t accidental. It was built, day after day, and Durkin said that commitment defined his season.

“He’s just been a guy that’s totally dedicated, motivated to saying this is important and something I wanna get done,” he said. “And then, so to then see that all come to fruition that way is just incredible. That’s what it’s all about.”

With Atkins back, Auburn retains a proven leader and a centerpiece of Durkin’s defense heading into 2026.