No. 1 Linebacker Recruit Trending Toward Alabama

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 2:16 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide could be getting a commitment from another five-star prospect in the 2026 class.

On3's Andrew Bone named Alabama as the favorite to land five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin. Alabama's other five-star commit is cornerback Jorden Edmonds.

Griffin was committed to the USC Trojans until May, when he de-committed. The Crimson Tide quickly took advantage and had Griffin in Tuscaloosa for an official visit on June 6.

He is the top linebacker and No. 8 overall recruit in the 247Sports Composite for the 2026 class. He is a native of Gainesville, Georgia, and listed at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds.

Griffin also holds offers from the Texas Longhorns, Florida State Seminoles, Ohio State Buckeyes, Georgia Bulldogs and other top programs.

He missed time on the field due to injury last season, but still recorded 43 total tackles and six sacks in eight games. In 2023, he had 54 total tackles and 15 sacks.

If the prediction comes true, Griffin would join a stacked Alabama recruiting class highlighted by Edmonds, four-star athlete Zyan Gibson, four-star athlete Mack Sutter and four-star running back Ezavier Crowell.

Three-star linebacker Zay Hall is Alabama's most recent commitment, pledging to the Crimson Tide on Friday.

Alabama currently has the No. 10 overall recruiting class for 2026 on 247Sports.

The Crimson Tide has been on a recruiting roll lately. Quarterback commit Jett Thomalla recently showcased his talents at the Elite 11 Finals and turned heads.

Alabama is also a finalist for top recruits, such as defensive lineman Nolan Wilson.

Alabama opens the second year of DeBoer's tenure against the Florida State Seminoles on August 30. Kick off is at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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

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