Xavier Griffin, a 6′3″, 205‑lb five-star linebacker from Gainesville, GA, decommitted from USC in mid‑May after their limitation on official visits .
He’s widely regarded as the No. 2 LB and top-30 overall recruit in 2026 across major services .
Griffin has officially scheduled visits to Ohio State (late May), Alabama (June 6), Texas (June 13), and Florida State (June 15), with a decision due June 29 .
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🏟️ School-by-School Breakdown
• Alabama is viewed as the current leader:
Elite scouting intelligence sees the Tide as heavy favorites.
Griffin’s social media hint—reshares an Alabama-themed post—has fans buzzing .
• Ohio State made a strong early impression:
His first official visit to OSU “blew him away,” particularly linebackers coach James Laurinaitis and DC Matt Patricia .
OSU insiders remain confident, with the Buckeyes still seen as a top contender .
• Texas and Florida State remain in play but are considered trailing the Crimson Tide after OV seasons .
• Michigan is reportedly discreetly involved in the race but lacks an official visit—diminishing their current chances .
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🔍 Why This Commitment Matters
Landing Griffin would be a major get:
He brings rare versatility, able to rush off the edge or drop in coverage—ideal for modern hybrid schemes .
Ohio State aims to bolster its LB depth for both 2026 and beyond, while Alabama would further solidify its dominance in the Southeast.
His status as a USC flip makes this a high-profile recruitment loss—or win—for whichever program.
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🧭 Final Take (Word Count: ~380)
Come June 29, expect plenty of fanfare: Alabama enters as the betting favorite, but OSU’s early OV impressed Griffin significantly. Texas and Florida State are