While the Crimson Tide missed out on landing 4-Star running back Jonaz Walton who committed to Notre Dame on Wednesday, Alabama may just be in store for a bit of good news on the recruiting trail afterall.
According to Hayes Fawcett of On3, 5-Star linebacker Xavier Griffin, one of the top defensive targets on Alabama's recruiting board, officially announced his decommitment from USC. He had been committed to the Trojans since July of 2024.
BREAKING: Five-Star LB Xavier Griffin has Decommitted from USC, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 14, 2025
The No. 2 LB in the ‘26 Class had been Committed to the Trojans since July https://t.co/lpmmbnDvOy pic.twitter.com/f8sLg5NXrT
Griffin is expected to take several official visits this summer, most notably to Tuscaloosa on June 6th. He will join the likes of fellow 5-Star Jireh Edwards as well as several other notable top talents in the 2026 recruiting class.
Hailing from Gainesville, Georgia, Griffin is ranked by 247Sports' composite ranking as the No. 2 linebacker in the nation and the No. 2 player in the Peach state. He stands at 6-foot-3, 200 lbs., giving him the build to play multiple roles within the defense.
He has shown the ability to both rush the passer and play as an off-ball linebacker, dropping back into coverage if needed. As a junior in 2024, Griffin compiled 43 total tackles, 13 TFL's, 6.0 sacks and a forced fumble in only eight appearances.
As of now, Alabama holds just five commitments in the 2026 recruiting class, but will welcome a massive crop of talented visitors across May and June.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!