BOL Video: Alabama lands 5-star linebacker Xavier Griffin
Welcome back to the BamaOnLine Recruiting Show. Publisher Tim Watts and senior recruiting editor Andrew Bone are here to break down Alabama’s newest commitment in the 2026 class: linebacker Xavier Griffin.
Griffin is a 6-foot-3 linebacker from Gainesville High School in Georgia, the same high school as 4-star edge rusher and current Alabama commit Jamarion Matthews. Griffin is considered a 5-star and the No. 2 linebacker in the 2026 class according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He’s ranked as the No. 27 overall player, and No. 3 player in Georgia.
Griffin initially committed to USC last June, and spent about 11 months committed to the Trojans before decommitting this May. During that time, Alabama continued its pursuit of Griffin with in-home visits and bringing him on campus for multiple unofficial visits as well.
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After his decommitment, Griffin took official visits to Alabama, Texas, Ohio State and Florida State throughout the month of June as the Tide sealed the deal with the talented defender.
Griffin becomes Alabama’s fourteenth total commitment in the 2026 class and the second linebacker, joining 3-star Zay Hall. Other commitments include 5-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds, 5-star running back Ezavier Crowell, 4-star quarterback Jett Thomalla, 4-star cornerback Zyan Gibson, 4-star tight end Mack Sutter, 4-star edge rusher Jamarion Matthews, 4-star defensive lineman Kamhariyan Johnson, 4-star offensive linemen Chris Booker and Sam Utu, 4-star running back Javari Barnett, 3-star defensive lineman JJ Finch and 3-star safety Rihyael Kelley.
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