For a school that has produced linebacker stars like Ray Lewis, Dan Morgan, Jonathan Vilma and Michael Barrow, Miami hasn’t had a true star at the position in quite a while.
Since 2010, Denzel Perryman (11th), Shaq Quarterman (12th), and Michael Pinkney (14th) all had solid careers ranking inside the UM top 20 career tackle list for a career but are they considered stars? Maybe? Possibly?
Xavier Atkins could potentially be that guy for the Hurricanes in 2027. Atkins was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2025 and was on his way to another all-conference season this year before being dismissed by Auburn. He was dismissed this week but had already been suspended before Auburn’s 27-24 win over then-No. 1 Georgia.
Atkins announced Tuesday morning that he will finish the academic semester at Auburn before entering the transfer portal on Jan. 4, when the 10-day portal window opens.
Based on his production over the past few seasons, Atkins would obviously be a fit on the field. However, Miami’s staff and university would need to look into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal and determine whether he would be a good fit for the program and campus.
If everything checks out regarding his dismissal, I think this is an opportunity Miami should seriously consider. Atkins could give the Hurricanes some much-needed star power at linebacker.
Atkins would have two years of eligibility remaining under the five-for-five rule.
