Historic College Football Program Suffers Major Recruiting Blow Wednesday

USC indeed skyrocketed to the top of the recruiting rankings. The Trojans swooped up multiple four-star talents to bolster the '26 class. USC also scaled past the 25 commits mark before the month of May. Riley earned huge recruiting help via newcomers Chad Bowen (general manager), Chad Savage (tight ends/inside wide receivers) and Rob Ryan (linebackers). 

“I truly believe that we had a future championship team and already added to what they are building," Griffin told Loy during that February interview. 

But now, USC loses its biggest fish on the recruiting trail. Loy dove into what happened that led to this moment. 

"It was essentially both sides moving in a different direction. This is a blow for Trojans recruiting efforts this cycle, but it seems to vibe with the new direction under coach Lincoln Riley, general manager Chad Bowen and the rest of the staff in Los Angeles," Loy wrote. 

He then added what helped persuade the decommitment. 

"Behind the scenes, Griffin would take visits and meet with coaches at school. That didn't necessarily sit well with members of the USC coaching staff," Loy said.

Griffin is now one of the top LBs available for the '26 class. Meanwhile, USC remains at play for one more four-star linebacker talent in Talanoa Ili of Kahuku in Hawaii.