Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Land 5-Star Linebacker Over Three College Powerhouses

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 5:22 PM ET

Five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin announced his commitment to the Kalen DeBoer-led Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday during a YouTube livestream hosted by 247Sports.

“I’ll be taking my talents for the next three-four years to the University of Alabama,” Griffin said during the livestream as he put on a Crimson Tide hat and hugged his family while the audience cheered.

Griffin was in Tuscaloosa for his official visit on June 6 and chose the Crimson Tide over the Texas Longhorns, Ohio State Buckeyes and Florida State Seminoles. Griffin is a Gainesville, Georgia, native and a member of the 2026 recruiting class.

He was initially committed to the USC Trojans but reopened his recruitment in May, which led him to DeBoer’s program. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Griffin is one of Georgia's most athletic and talented linebackers.

NEWS: Alabama lands a commitment from 5-star LB Xavier Griffin.

Alabama was his dream school and Griffin takes you inside his commitment to the Tide: https://t.co/W09dh8lTEw pic.twitter.com/vDXWXRNlrm
— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) June 29, 2025

In his junior season, he recorded 43 tackles and six sacks within eight appearances despite missing time due to an injury. As a sophomore at Gainesville High School, he was selected to the Georgia Region 8-6A first-team by recording 54 tackles and 15 sacks, according to his 247Sports player profile.

Griffin showcased his defensive prowess this year by competing in the Polynesian Bowl on Jan. 16 in Honolulu and the Navy All-American Bowl on Jan. 11 in San Antonio. He can add a lot of athleticism and speed to the Crimson Tide’s linebacker corps, already composed of Jeremiah Alexander, Noland Asberry, JD Baird, Noah Carter and Sterling Dixon.

Griffin is also a solid addition to Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class, which ranks No. 8 in the country. DeBoer’s other recruits include four-star athlete Zyan Gibson, four-star halfback Ezavier Crowell, three-star defensive end Kamhariyan Johnson and three-star linebacker Zac Hall.

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

More must-reads: