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College Football Powerhouse Continues To Trend For Former 5-Star USC Commit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 20, 2025 11:42 AM ET

The USC Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley were hit with devastating news on Wednesday when class of 2026 linebacker Xavier Griffin decommitted, after pledging himself to the program on July 27, 2024.

Of course, there's still a chance that he ends up with USC in the end, but there's no doubt that many other top programs will be looking to make their impression and hopefully land his services.

Some have quickly gotten to work, and Steve Wiltfong of On3 has reported that the Alabama Crimson Tide, led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, are "in a great spot" for the young linebacker.

Alabama is the program to watch for 5-star LB Xavier Griffin, @SWiltfong_ reports

Griffin decommitted from USC on May 14.

Read: https://t.co/YS76QfswSZ pic.twitter.com/quUqrVgt35
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 20, 2025

In 2024, Alabama went just 9-4, marking the first time they failed to reach double-digit wins since 2007, so there's certainly some pressure to return to their dominant ways.

Griffin would certainly be a major addition, as On3 Industry Rankings places him as a five-star recruit, the No. 2 linebacker, the No. 3 player in Georgia and the No. 28 player in the nation.

Last season for the Gainesville Red Elephants, he put together some impressive numbers, appearing in eight games and accumulating 43 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and six sacks.

If Alabama does land the former USC commit, it would be a big addition to their 2026 recruiting class, which has a total of five commitments and ranks No. 4 in the SEC and No. 9 in the nation.

Some other big names Griffin could be joining include five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds, four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson, four-star EDGE Jamarion Matthews and four-star interior offensive lineman Chris Booker.

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

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