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Former USC 5-Star Sends Message After Finding New CFB Home

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 4:44 PM ET

USC witnessed the high-profile decommit of five-star Xavier Griffin before the summer. The linebacker since then has officially found a new college football home.

The Georgia native ended his reopened recruiting chase on Sunday. This time choosing Alabama in a huge recruiting coup for the Crimson Tide. He's now the third five-star to choose the Tide and head coach Kalen DeBoer -- joining running back Ezavier Crowell and Jorden Edmonds.

Griffin didn't take long to fire off his first message after choosing the Tide. And after ending his free agency period following the decommit from USC. Here's what he shared via Hayes Fawcett of On3.

"TGBTG (To God be the Glory). Roll Tide!!!" he posted after announcing his verbal pledge to the SEC powerhouse.

Alabama's SEC rivals Texas (coached by former USC HC Steve Sarkisian), Florida State and Ohio State all were in the final running for Griffin. Griffin spoke highly of 'Bama even before he made his decision.

"Bama has been the most consistent and persistent team in recruitment from day one," he told Bama247 days before the decision. "Coach C(hristian) Rob(inson) has truly taken the time to build a great relationship with me and my family. That's something that we appreciate more than anything. Everyone thinks because coach (Nick) Saban is gone, 'Bama is (too) but they have some great coaches and players so they are about to shock some people as well."

There's new belief Alabama found its next Jihaad Campbell for the future. USC, however, remains in strong shape post Griffin.

The Trojans still lead all programs as the top-ranked recruiting class for 2026. Tight end Mark Bowman is the more recent five-star addition -- choosing USC in May.

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

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