Auburn's Byrum Brown and Xavier Atkins make USA TODAY's top 100 players list
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 2:30 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Auburn football players Byrum Brown and Xavier Atkins have been included in USA TODAY's Top 100 College Football Players list ahead of the 2026 season. Brown, a quarterback, ranks No. 96 after an impressive previous season with 3,158 passing yards and 1,008 rushing yards. Linebacker Atkins comes in at No. 17. He led the SEC in solo tackles last season and is a transfer from LSU. Both players are crucial to Auburn's efforts to improve after a five-season stretch without postseason play. The team aims for a stronger performance this season under their leadership.
- •Byrum Brown listed as No. 96 on USA TODAY's player ranking
- •Xavier Atkins ranked No. 17, leading the SEC in solo tackles
- •Auburn seeks to end a five-season streak of seven losses
- •Both players are on multiple preseason award watchlists
- 2:30 PMYahoo Sports — How many Auburn Tigers are in USA TODAY's top 100 player ranking?
"Auburn football has players on both sides of the ball capable of leading the team to new heights in 2026.
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