Xavier Atkins named to Butkus Award preseason watchlist
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 4:10 PM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026
Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins has been named to the preseason watchlist for the Dick Butkus Award, which honors the top linebacker in college football. This announcement comes amid Atkins' impressive preseason accolades, including being on the Nagurski Award watchlist and several preseason All-American teams. Since transferring from LSU, Atkins has made a significant impact at Auburn, leading the SEC in tackles for loss last season with 17. He has expressed a focused approach to the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of performance over preseason recognition as he aims to lead the Auburn defense again in 2026.
- •Atkins is included in the 51-member Butkus Award watchlist.
- •He was also named to the Nagurski Award watchlist.
- •Led the SEC with 17 tackles for loss in 2025.
- •Atkins emphasizes focusing on performance over accolades.
- 4:10 PMYahoo Sports — Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins earns another preseason award nod
"The sun rose again today, which means another postseason award has included Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins on its preseason watchlist
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