Auburn Tigers' Xavier Atkins and Rayshawn Pleasant Earn All-SEC Preseason Honors
Auburn Tigers' Xavier Atkins and Rayshawn Pleasant Earn All-SEC Preseason Honors
US · Published Jul 10, 2026
Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins and safety Rayshawn Pleasant have been named to the All-SEC Preseason First Team by Athlon Sports.
Atkins, who transferred from LSU, had an impressive 2025 season with 84 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks.

Impact & Risks

The recognition of Atkins and Pleasant boosts Auburn's morale and sets high expectations for the 2026 season. However, the team faces pressure to improve its performance after years of struggles. The success of these key players will be critical in determining whether Auburn can break its losing streak and regain its competitive edge in the SEC.

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