The sun rose again today, which means another postseason award has included Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins on its preseason watchlist. The Dick Butkus Award, given annually to college football's top linebacker, revealed its 51-member preseason watchlist this week, which included Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins. Atkins joins a handful of fellow SEC linebackers, including Texas' Rasheem Biles, LSU's Whit Weeks, and Alabama's Caleb Woodson on the list. The honor is yet another on Atkins' plate this preseason. Atkins is on the Nagurski Award watchlist, given annually to college football's top defensive player, and the watchlist for the East-West Shrine Bowl, in addition to the Butkus Award watchlist nod. He is also involved in several preseason All-American teams ahead of the 2026 season, including Pro Football Network. Atkins was an "overnight" success in 2025. He transferred to Auburn from LSU and made an immediate impact by logging 60 solo tackles and leading the SEC in tackles for loss with 17. His stock has risen drastically this preseason, but he has not let the outside noise affect his mindset. "When I came in last year, I did not have preseason accolades or anything like that, so I'm just keeping my head down," Atkins said during a recent media availability at Auburn's fall camp. "We all know awards aren't won in the preseason; it's what you do in the season to get what you want to get. That's why I always try to keep my even keel level down, like, just being where my feet are. But it is a great thing, though." Atkins aims to lead the Auburn defense again in 2026 and, hopefully, land an award or two.
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