FIRST CALL | Xavier Atkins DISMISSED From Auburn! Alex Golesh Sends MAJOR Message Before LSU!
The Auburn Daily NetworkShow Notes
Xavier Atkins has been dismissed from the Auburn football program! The news comes just days after Alex Golesh and the Auburn Tigers stunned No. 1 Georgia in Athens, raising major questions about the defense, linebacker depth and the culture Golesh is building on the Plains.
On today's First Call, we break down the late Monday night reports surrounding Atkins' departure and three major takeaways from Golesh's latest press conference ahead of Auburn's matchup against LSU.
Atkins missed Auburn's 27-24 victory over Georgia, and Golesh previously indicated that the program was still working through his situation. Hours later, reports surfaced that the talented linebacker was no longer with the team.
What does this mean for Auburn moving forward?
Elijah Melendez and Bryce Diaz combined for 17 tackles against Georgia, while DeMarcus Riddick contributed important defensive snaps. Auburn also held the Bulldogs to just 113 rushing yards and forced three turnovers.
But losing Atkins could create significant depth concerns if injuries become an issue.
We also examine Golesh's biggest messages following Auburn's historic victory.
First, beating Georgia doesn't erase Auburn's problems. The Tigers still committed 11 penalties and suffered five dropped passes, and Golesh made it clear that winning cannot become an excuse to overlook mistakes.
Second, Auburn's offense might finally be discovering its identity. Byrum Brown's involvement in the running game, improved perimeter blocking and adjustments from Joel Gordon helped transform the offense against Georgia.
Finally, Auburn's young defense is beginning to mature under DJ Durkin, with several younger players stepping into larger roles.
Can Auburn build on its momentum against LSU while navigating another major roster change?
And what does Atkins' dismissal mean for Golesh's long-term vision?
#AuburnFootball #XavierAtkins #AuburnTigers
More from The Auburn Daily Network
Auburn vs LSU could come down to TWO critical matchups, and we're breaking down exactly what the Tigers MUST do to knock off Lane Kiffin and keep the momentum rolling after that HUGE win over Georgia! Which matchups will determine whether Alex Golesh and Auburn can pull off another massive SEC upset? PLUS, an Auburn quarterback commit just did something absolutely CRAZY, and we've got to talk about it! What does it mean for the future of Auburn football? And finally, Auburn basketball went toe-to-toe with Alabama in an ELECTRIC exhibition game in Birmingham, falling 87-85. We break down Kevin Overton's 26-point performance, the biggest positives, the concerning areas, and what we learned about Steven Pearl's Tigers heading into the season. Drop your predictions for Auburn vs LSU in the comments and SUBSCRIBE for daily Auburn football and basketball coverage on The Top Button Podcast! #AuburnFootball #LSUFootball #WarEagle #AuburnBasketball #AlexGolesh Kalshi $25 for $25 Code: AUDAILY kalshi.com/r/AUDAILY Mike Miller All-State: Mike Miller All-State on Facebook
Auburn football could completely change its 2026 season with another massive upset against LSU! After shocking Georgia in Athens, can Alex Golesh and the Auburn Tigers defeat Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers and enter the College Football Playoff conversation?
JJ Jackson and Ryan Lavoie break down the 3 biggest offensive X-factors and 3 biggest defensive X-factors for Auburn Football ahead of Saturday's SEC showdown against No. 18 LSU. The guys discuss the importance of Byrum Brown, Jeremiah Cobb, Auburn's offensive line, and the key defensive playmakers who must step up against Lane Kiffin's Tigers. Can Auburn build on its stunning victory over Georgia and deliver another statement win at Jordan-Hare Stadium?
Blackerby & Brad airs every weekday on Auburn Daily and is hosted by Brad Law & Zac Blackerby. Do us a favor and hammer those thumbs up and subscribe buttons and be sure to tell your friends about B&B! Sign up for your FREE newsletter at www.AuburnDaily.com
Was Auburn's stunning win over Georgia just a fluke, or did Alex Golesh and the Auburn Tigers prove something BIG about the future of this program? On today's episode of The Top Button Podcast with Charlie5, we push back on the ridiculous narrative surrounding Auburn's victory over UGA and explain why this win could be a turning point for Auburn football. Golesh called the Georgia win "proof of concept," but can the Tigers build on that momentum against LSU? We also dive into quarterback Byrum Brown's role in Auburn's rushing attack and whether the Tigers need to unleash his legs even more to win football games. Golesh admits there's a calculated risk in running Brown, but can Auburn afford to hold him back against LSU's talented defense? Plus, Auburn's penalties continue to pile up, and Golesh isn't shying away from putting some of the blame on coaching. Can Auburn clean up the mistakes, build on the Georgia victory, and make a serious run during the second half of the SEC football season? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to Auburn Daily Network for daily Auburn football news, analysis, and discussion! #AuburnFootball #WarEagle #AlexGolesh #AuburnTigers #SECFootball #ByrumBrown #AuburnDaily #GeorgiaFootball #LSUFootball Kalshi $25 for $25 Code: AUDAILY kalshi.com/r/AUDAILY Mike Miller All-State: Mike Miller All-State on Facebook