The number 17 will be a very important number for the Auburn Tigers this upcoming college football season. That number belongs to the top two players on the roster with quarterback Byrum Brown and linebacker Xavier Atkins.
The two were recognized by CBS Sports by landing in their top 150 players rankings.
Atkins landed at an interesting spot at No. 17 on the list. He is what makes this Auburn defense function to their highest potential. For a lot of Auburn fans, he was an unknown as a LSU transfer ahead of the 2025 season. He led the Tigers with 84 tackles and nine sacks on his way to being named to the All-SEC Freshmen Team.
He also had 17 tackles for loss along with showing the ability to create turnovers. At SEC Media Days in Tampa, Atkins was named to the Preseason All-SEC First Team. CBS Sports described Atkins as one of the most disruptive linebackers in college football.
For Brown, the Auburn faithful has been waiting for a good quarterback of his skill level for some time. Perhaps since the 2010 season with Cam Newton. Brown was the only quarterback in FBS to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 more.
He will look to bring that success he had with South Florida to the plains this season. CBS Sports tabs Brown as one of the most intriguing transfers due to his playing style and his transition to the SEC. He did have success in South Florida's upset win over Florida last season. In that game, he threw for 263 yards and one touchdown in the 18-16 victory.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: CBS Sports' top 150 list includes two Auburn stars