Five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin has officially decommitted from USC, signaling a shift in his recruitment as he aims to explore more options. The standout from Gainesville High in Georgia had been committed to the Trojans since July but has chosen to continue taking visits, prompting USC head coach Lincoln Riley and his staff to reassess their strategy.
Griffin, ranked as the nation’s No. 2 linebacker and No. 28 overall prospect by the On3 Industry, leaves USC’s recruiting class, which currently stands at 27 commitments. Although USC was once holding the top spot in the national rankings, they now find themselves ranked second trailing LSU.
As Griffin considers his next steps, several prominent programs are vying for his commitment, including Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida State, Tennessee, Ohio State, and Michigan. His upcoming visits may reveal new favorites, with the first planned visit to USC now scrapped.
Alabama’s recruitment efforts for Griffin are being led by coach Christian Robinson, who has developed a strong rapport with the player. Griffin has described Robinson as a “real genuine coach” and appreciates the consistency in their communications. “We didn’t really talk about football. He talked about how much I’ve grown since the first time he met me,” Griffin noted, emphasizing the personal connection.
Griffin has deep-rooted ties to Alabama, having been born in Huntsville and a lifelong fan. “Whatever school I go to, I’ll always be a Bama fan,” he mentioned, although he is keeping his options open during the recruitment process.
This spring, Griffin has been busy visiting other campuses. His first trip to Texas was filled with positive impressions, particularly about the culture and the people. At Florida State, he connected well with head coach Mike Norvell, indicating a strong relationship. His visits to Georgia and Tennessee also left him feeling positive, with both coaching staffs striking him as genuine and intense in their coaching styles.
Griffin’s decision to explore multiple programs highlights the dynamic nature of college recruitment, where relationships with coaches and school culture play a significant role. As he continues to gather experiences from various schools, there remains a sense of excitement around where his future may lead, with plenty of contenders ready to make their pitch.