The latest Pro Football Focus rankings have sparked conversation after the outlet left Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins off its 2026 top‑50 list, despite his 2025 rating of 91.7, the highest among linebackers that season.
Atkins’ production was undeniable; he logged 84 tackles, 60 solo stops, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble return and an interception, numbers that placed him ahead of several peers who did earn a spot on the list.
The three linebackers who did make the cut — Kyngstonn Viliamu‑Asa of Notre Dame, Austin Romaine of Texas Tech and Rasheem Biles of Texas — posted lower grades, with Viliamu‑Asa at 89.7, Romaine at 76.5 and Biles at 83.7, accompanied by stat lines that highlighted fewer sacks and tackles compared with Atkins.
A Motivation Engine
What makes the omission puzzling is not just the statistical gap but also the context of Atkins’ career trajectory; it was his first full starting season, and the SEC schedule promises an even more dominant junior year that could reshape his NFL outlook.
Analysts suggest the snub could serve as a rallying point, giving Atkins extra fuel as he prepares for a make‑or‑break 2026 campaign that will likely determine the trajectory of his professional prospects.
If the trend holds, the upcoming season could see the Tigers’ defense anchored by a player who not only leads in sacks but also sets a benchmark for productivity at the linebacker position, potentially reshaping both college and professional expectations.