USC loses commitment from highly-rated linebacker Xavier Griffin
From the Gridiron to the Recruiting Fray
High school legend Xavier Griffin, the numero uno linebacker in the 2026 recruiting pantheon, has jilted Southern California's glittering 2026 recruiting class.
Originating from the picturesque town of Gainesville, Georgia, Griffin swooned for the Trojans' crown-jewel class last July. But, with the summer official visit window primed to open, he decided to reconsider his commitment to the Trojans' samba on Wednesday.
This 6-foot-4, 205-pound colossus has a captivating lineup of official visits scheduled. These include encounters with Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, and Florida State.
After tallying a mind-blowing 21 sacks during his sophomore and junior seasons at Gainesville High School, Griffin found himself ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect and the No. 2 linebacker by the 247Sports composite.
In the unfolding saga, it seems Ohio State left a lasting impression on this star recruit, particularly after his one-on-one with linebackers coach James Laurinaitis. Consequently, the Buckeyes charge into June 29, 2025, the date Griffin is slated to announce his commitment, on the crusader's side alongside Alabama, Texas, and Florida State.
-Straight from the Horse's Mouth
Under the Microscope:
Xavier Griffin, the eminent linebacker who decommitted from USC in May 2025, has an action-packed calendar of official visits planned before he announces his final decision on June 29, 2025.
From this lineup, his first official visit post-decommitment was with Ohio State, which took place around late May/early June 2025. The Alabama juggernaut awaits him on June 6, 2025, having already hosted him earlier that month[1][2]. Texas is penciled in for June 13, 2025, and Florida State University (FSU) is set to welcome him on June 15, 2025[1][2].
Ohio State has managed to carve out a favored position in Griffin's heart, with their encounter with linebackers coach James Laurinaitis standing out[5]. Thus, with a decisive date looming on the horizon, Griffin has been bustling with visits to four leading programs before making his highly anticipated commitment declaration[2][5].
In the ongoing saga of Xavier Griffin, the top-ranked linebacker for the 2026 recruitment class, his official visits prior to announcing his final decision on June 29, 2025, encompass four prominent sports programs: Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, and Florida State. After an impactful encounter with linebackers coach James Laurinaitis at Ohio State, American football seems to have stolen a lead in Griffin's heart as he prepares to decide his future in NCAA football.
