The Texas Longhorns were vying to land one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 class—five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin from Gainesville, Georgia—but ultimately came up short. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how things unfolded:
Top Prospect Poaches Texas’ Momentum
Griffin, rated the No. 8 national player and the nation’s top linebacker in the class, had initially pledged to USC before reopening his recruitment following a decommitment . The Longhorns, boasting one of the strongest recruiting classes in the country, looked to add Griffin as their third five-star commit for 2026 . Texas was firmly in the race alongside Alabama, Ohio State, and Florida State.
Alabama Seals the Deal
In the end, Griffin committed to Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide—another major win for the SEC powerhouse . Alabama had long been considered the favorite, with its established elite recruiting pedigree and depth at the linebacker position. Ohio State and Florida State also pursued Griffin, but none proved as convincing as Alabama .
What Griffin Brings to the Table
At 6′4″, 212 pounds, Griffin is a rare blend of size, speed, and instinct. His high school stats include 97 tackles over two seasons at Gainesville High and 21 tackles for loss . While an injury limited him to eight games in 2024, he still posted 43 tackles, six sacks, and showed rare playmaking ability .
247Sports’ Andrew Ivins likened him to NFL linebacker Jihaad Campbell due to his sideline-to-sideline burst, ability to rush the passer, and range in coverage. Ivins noted Griffin is “lanky and lean” but projects to add strength, and excels both in traditional linebacker and edge-rush stances .
Impact on Texas
Griffin’s decommitment hurts Texas’ hopes of reinforcing its linebacker corps. With Griffin off the board, the Longhorns now enter July without a true heavyweight at the position in their 2026 class. They had bolstered their defensive front earlier, adding five-star edge rusher Richard Wesley and defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland . But losing Griffin leaves a significant gap at the middle of their defense.
What Comes Next
The Texas staff will now pivot toward other top-tier linebacker and tackle targets, including five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, currently narrowed to Texas and Ohio State . The offseason recruiting dead period begins soon, meaning Texas must move decisively when doors reopen. Their defensive identity and national title aspirations hinge on how they respond to this miss.
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While Texas remains in the hunt for other elite prospects, losing Xavier Griffin represents a major miss in a fiercely competitive SEC and national recruiting landscape. The Longhorns’ ability to regroup and land another impact playmaker at linebacker could define their 2026 class and future defensive dominance.