USC Commit Xavier Griffin Stays Firm Despite Heavy Pressure from Georgia and SEC Rivals
Xavier Griffin, a five-star linebacker from Gainesville, Georgia, continues to stand firm in his verbal commitment to the USC Trojans, even as powerhouse programs like Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, and Tennessee intensify efforts to flip him. Widely regarded as one of the top recruits in the 2026 class, Griffin has become a major target in a national recruiting battle—but he remains “locked in” with USC.
Griffin, ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and a top-10 overall prospect by multiple recruiting services, has impressed scouts and coaches alike with his size, athleticism, and football IQ. At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, the Gainesville High School standout dominated in his sophomore season, posting over 50 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and nine sacks.
His early commitment to USC in July 2024 raised eyebrows across the country, especially considering he resides deep in SEC territory. But Griffin has consistently praised USC’s coaching staff, development program, and overall vision under head coach Lincoln Riley.
In particular, defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn and defensive line coach Eric Henderson have played pivotal roles in securing Griffin’s loyalty. Both coaches bring NFL experience and a clear developmental pathway to the league—something Griffin has cited as a major reason for choosing the Trojans.
“I believe in what Coach Riley and his staff are building,” Griffin said in a recent interview. “The way they’re going to use me, the NFL experience on that staff—especially Coach Henderson and Coach Lynn—it just feels like the best place for me.
That hasn’t stopped other schools from trying. Georgia, Griffin’s home-state powerhouse and the current national champion, has been relentless. Head coach Kirby Smart and his staff have remained in contact with Griffin, emphasizing the chance to stay close to home and join one of the best defenses in college football.
Alabama also remains in the mix. Griffin grew up watching the Crimson Tide dominate the SEC and has already taken multiple unofficial visits to Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban’s retirement hasn’t slowed Alabama’s pursuit, with new leadership keeping Griffin at the top of their board.
Tennessee and Florida State are also pushing hard. Griffin visited Florida State earlier this year for a junior day and is planning a trip to Knoxville to connect with Tennessee’s staff. He’s been open about the relationships he’s building with other programs—but he’s also been clear that USC is still where his heart is.
“I respect the interest and the effort,” Griffin said. “But every time I think about it, I go back to USC. That’s where I see myself.
Griffin recently made a quiet but firm statement during in-home visits with coaches from rival schools. While meeting with representatives from Ohio State, Clemson, and others, he was spotted wearing USC gear—a subtle but unmistakable message about where his loyalty lies.
Even as his recruitment continues to attract national attention, Griffin appears committed to shutting down the drama. He’s expected to return to USC’s campus for Junior Day and plans to help recruit other top prospects to join him in Los Angeles.
With USC’s 2026 class currently ranked near the top nationally, Griffin’s presence is a key building block. If he holds firm, he’ll not only help the Trojans on the field but send a powerful message that USC can still pull elite talent from SEC country.
As National Signing Day approaches next year, Xavier Griffin’s recruitment will remain one of the most-watched stories in college football. But for now, the message is clear: he’s all in with the Trojans.
