5-Star Linebacker Raves About Steve Sarkisian

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 4:43 PM ET

Texas earned a strong chance at pouncing on an available five-star for the 2026 class. That linebacker is now raving about his meeting with Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian.

The 'Horns hosted Xavier Griffin during Father's Day weekend. The native of Gainesville, Georgia told Steve Wiltfong of On3 Wednesday that he raved about his meeting with Sarkisian.

"Coach Sark is a great coach, what excites me the most is seeing how every year he has moved the needle with Texas in academics and football," Griffin told Wiltfong. "It speaks a lot about him as a coach, the staff he put together and the players he has recruited!"

Griffin watched the Longhorns crash the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoffs party in 2024. Texas stormed into the semifinals by eliminating Clemson and Arizona State. Eventual national champion Ohio State eventually ended the Longhorns' season.

Griffin, though, is sensing Texas as a rising contender to hoist the national title trophy soon.

"They’ve been knocking on the Natty door for the past two years so I know it’s coming," Griffin said.

Griffin reopened his recruitment on May 14. He previously committed to USC -- which still holds the nation's top-ranked recruiting class. However, Griffin was USC's longest running five-star pledge before leaving.

"Coach Sark" isn't the only reason why Griffin raved about his Austin trip.

"I love everything about Texas! They are wanting to develop me in a full package, academics, athletic, and as a man!” Griffin said.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound athletic 'backer would add to an aggressive June recruiting blitz for Texas if he chooses the 'Horns. Texas has reeled in seven new verbal commits this month alone. Five-Star quarterback Dia Bell is among the newcomers -- choosing Texas on June 17.

Griffin is still deciding between Texas, Ohio State, Florida State and Alabama as he's shooting for a June 29 commitment date.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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