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5-Star Recruit Sends Clear Message to Steve Sarkisian, Texas After Official Visit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 12:16 PM ET

Xavier Griffin is the nation's top high-school linebacker according to recruiting services. Griffin has attracted the interest of many blue-blood programs, all wanting to mold the Georgia high schooler into a disruptive defensive force.

The Texas Longhorns though are now muscling their way into the Griffin conversation, part of a new recruitment blitz from Steve Sarkisian and his staff.

Amid a recent visit to Austin, former USC commit Griffin gave Longhorns fans a jolt of hope that he will be wearing the famous burnt orange jersey come 2026.

"They continue to be consistent with how they want me, how they want to play me and how they want to develop me," Griffin said of his June 13 visit.

Five-star LB Xavier Griffin talks Longhorns OV. "I love everything about Texas." https://t.co/dutAQ1mwDt pic.twitter.com/enO2s43Uuo
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) June 18, 2025

At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Griffin is regarded as an elite edge/linebacker recruit - and the Texas visit, spearheaded by Sarkisian, left quite an impact on the Gainesville, Georgia product, who was left impressed with the consistency of Texas' message.

"Really just trying to stress how much they want me, how much they need me, just showing me how they can use me and how they can develop me to the next level," Griffin said of his visit.

Amid his contention that he "loves everything" about Texas, Griffin is down to four finalists: Texas, Alabama, Ohio State and Florida State. Griffin is set to reveal his choice on June 29, but Sarkisian and Texas will have plenty of confidence entering decision day given Griffin's comments about his visit.

"We really were just talking, but we also talked about how I'd fit in and just saying how much of a family atmosphere it is and what he likes about the city and being at Texas," Griffin said about Sarkisian's take-home message.

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

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