Breaking news: The Alabama Crimson Tide has landed a major in-state commitment in five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin. Griffin, a dynamic playmaker from Gainesville High School in Georgia, has officially decommitted from USC after nearly a year-long commitment and has chosen Alabama over top-tier finalists Texas and Ohio State. This decisive move sends shockwaves through the college football recruiting world and bolsters Alabama’s already red-hot Class of 2026.
For many months, Xavier Griffin’s recruitment was among the most closely watched sagas in the 2026 cycle. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in around 200–205 pounds, the multi-faceted linebacker can both rush the passer and drop into coverage—traits that make him one of the most coveted defensive talents in his class. As the ESPN and 247Sports composite rankings confirm, he enters the February signing period as the nation’s No. 1 linebacker and a consensus five-star prospect, swirling with offers from elite programs including Alabama, USC, Ohio State, Texas, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and more .
The turning point came when Griffin decommitted from USC in mid-May 2025. He had been verbally pledged to the Trojans since July 2024, but unexpectedly reopened his recruitment, committing to visits at Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, and Florida State starting in early June (b. That week, his official trip to Tuscaloosa made significant impressions.
During his visit on the weekend of June 6, Griffin was reportedly embraced by the Alabama program—coaches, staff, and players alike. He spent time bonding with defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson, whose relationships with him proved influential. Griffin later shared that the warmth and enthusiasm from current Tide players during a photo shoot were unforgettable, saying, “That was awesome” .
Griffin himself admitted to Bama247 that he and Wommack discussed his potential deployment across multiple linebacker positions, highlighting versatility as a key recruiting pitch. For Alabama, this is critical given their depth chart forecast: top linebackers like Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill‑Green are entering their final year of eligibility, leaving key roles open for impact freshmen in 2026 .
Following his Tuscaloosa visit, Griffin also took official trips to Texas and Florida State on consecutive weekends, and visited Ohio State in late May . Texas remained a serious contender, with the Longhorns leaving a strong impression. Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, and Florida State were considered finalists heading into his announcement .
On the morning of Sunday, June 29, Griffin made his momentous decision via a livestream hosted by 247Sports, announcing his commitment to Alabama. He chose the Tide over Texas, Ohio State, and Florida State . His commitment, labeled by CBSSports as “landing the No. 1 LB” and “highest-rated commit in Alabama’s 2026 class,” immediately landed Alabama inside the top ten nationally for the 2026 class .
The news was met with emotion across Gainesville—where Griffin recorded standout junior-year stats including 43 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and six sacks in eight games . One quote that captured the moment came from Griffin’s mother, Jay Clay, on Twitter:
“Mama, one day I’ll be playing for the University of Alabama one day. Well son that time has came,” she exclaimed. “Roll Tide Roll” .
As a former USC commit, Griffin’s flip was significant—but Georgia roots and family ties in Alabama helped tilt the outcome. Reports surfaced that his grandfather works just down the street from the Alabama campus, creating a geographic and emotional affinity . Griffin himself shared that he originally grew up a Tide fan in Huntsville, Alabama, dreaming of wearing the crimson and white, citing inspirational moments from the Nick Saban era .
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff have increased their momentum in this recruiting period. Prior to Griffin’s commitment, Alabama had around five pledges for the Class of 2026, but in the latter half of June they reeled in eight additional prospects, including Griffin, vaulting them to No. 7–8 nationally . Griffin joins existing five-star safety Jireh Edwards and DB Jorden Edmonds as the second top-tier defensive player in the class .
Griffin’s decision has implications beyond Alabama. USC, which had ranked No. 1 prior to his decommitment, is contending with the loss of this elite talent. Meanwhile, Texas and Ohio State saw their hopes dashed after two high-profile visits, underscoring Alabama’s recruiting dominance .
From a football perspective, Griffin is expected to contribute immediately on defense. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 200–205 pounds, his ability to play standing outside linebacker or put his hand in the dirt rushing the edge offers flexibility for Alabama’s schemes . His playing style has drawn comparisons to Jihaad Campbell, a former Crimson Tide linebacker and first-round NFL pick .
Additionally, his mental acuity and character stand out. Score Atlanta praised Griffin’s “attention to detail, a willingness to be critiqued and get better, and most of all, outstanding character,” all traits that bode well for success at the collegiate level .
For Alabama, securing Griffin means fewer holes in their linebacker pipeline and more depth in a program that prizes defensive excellence. Under coordinator Kane Wommack, the Tide’s ‘Wolf’ linebacker position is tailor-made for his skill set, and Griffin’s commitment confirms Alabama’s strength in developing top defenders.
Griffin’s addition elevates Alabama’s 2026 class to elite status. With two five-stars already on defense and more blue-chip targets in the pipeline—such as five-star wideout Cederian Morgan (announcement July 2) and safety Jireh Edwards (July 5)—the Tide has vaulted into position to compete for the nation’s top class.
Looking ahead, Griffin will close out his high school career at Gainesville, a perennial powerhouse set for a 2025 state title run. He leaves behind a community in Gainesville and a USC program that will need to adapt quickly. But on campus in Tuscaloosa, Griffin’s presence further cements the narrative: Alabama under Kalen DeBoer remains a beacon for elite defensive talent, and the 2026 class is shaping into another signature group.
This massive commitment by Xavier Griffin delivers more than just recruiting glory—it’s a testament to Alabama’s pitch: development, versatility in defense, brotherhood, and a pathway to greatness. With elite talent stacking up at positions old and new, the Crimson Tide’s 2026 class is on fire. Griffin’s choice—going back to his childhood dream and picking his roots over rivals—seals an unforgettable recruiting weekend in Alabama football history.
