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Former USC Commit Raves About Meeting With Ex-Trojans Head Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 4:04 PM ET

USC could be losing a prized former commit to a past Trojans head coach. Especially after the prospect raved about his recent official visit.

Texas hosted five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin during the weekend of Father's Day. The ex-USC commit got the chance to interact with Steve Sarkisian -- who once led the Trojans from 2014 to 2015 before resigning from personal issues.

"Sark" produced a College Football Playoff run in Austin with the Longhorns for 2024. Now he's putting his own touches on building a stout 2026 class. The Georgia native Griffin rises as a big priority for the '26 class. He told Steve Wiltfong of On3 Wednesday that he came away impressed by Sarkisian's vision for Texas.

"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!! They’ve been knocking on the Natty [national championship] door for the past two years so I know it’s coming.”

He became the college football recruiting version of a free agent on May 14. Griffin announced his decision to leave USC and reopen his recruitment. He's now raving about the 'Horns.

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

Texas now surfaces as a heavy contender to land the former five-star USC commit. Though Alabama, Florida State and Ohio State remain in consideration. Griffin was USC's first five-star commit who helped launch the 2026 class. The Trojans still hold the nation's top-ranked recruiting class for this cycle, while Texas sits at 19th.

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

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