Alabama Scores Five-Star Linebacker Xavier Griffin for 2026 Class!

Gainesville, Georgia, USA - On June 30, 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide took a significant step in bolstering their football roster for the 2026 season by securing a commitment from five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin of Gainesville, Georgia. Griffin, highly regarded as the No. 1 linebacker and No. 8 overall prospect nationally according to 247Sports, is set to be a game-changer for the program and has quickly become a cornerstone of Alabama’s recruiting class this cycle. His decision came after carefully considering offers from top competitors, including Florida State, Ohio State, and Texas. Notably, Griffin had previously committed to USC but reopened his recruitment in May, making the Crimson Tide his final choice.

Griffin stands tall at 6-foot-3 and weighs 200 pounds. His impressive stats include a remarkable tally of 97 total tackles and 21 sacks throughout his sophomore and junior years at Gainesville High School. He has a style of play reminiscent of Jihaad Campbell, who was also a five-star defensive end for Alabama. This blend of size and skill makes Griffin a formidable asset on the field, and his commitment marks a pivotal moment for the Crimson Tide.

Reasons Behind the Commitment

Several factors influenced Griffin’s decision to join Alabama. He expressed particular admiration for the program’s historic success in developing NFL talent. The strong recruitment efforts by head coach Kalen DeBoer and outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson played a vital role in his choice, underscoring the importance of personal connections in the recruiting process. Griffin acknowledged Alabama as the most proactive in his recruitment efforts, which certainly tipped the scales in their favor.

In addition to Griffin, Alabama’s 2026 class is gaining significant momentum, now comprising 14 commitments. Other notable names include cornerback Jorden Edmonds, who also comes highly rated, as well as defensive end Jamarion Matthews, who will be Griffin’s teammate at Gainesville High for his senior year. This recruiting wave has helped elevate Alabama’s standing, moving them to the No. 8 position in the national recruiting rankings after previously lingering outside the top-40.

• Xavier Griffin: Five-star linebacker from Gainesville, Georgia
• Jorden Edmonds: Five-star cornerback, Marietta, Georgia
• Jamarion Matthews: Four-star defensive end, Gainesville, Georgia
• Zyan Gibson: Four-star cornerback, Gadsden, Alabama
• Chris Booker: Four-star offensive lineman, Atlanta, Georgia

Impact on Alabama Football

Griffin’s commitment is not just a feather in the cap for Alabama; it’s a testament to the program’s revitalized recruiting efforts. Following a period of relative quiet, Alabama is now in a prime position, with additional top-60 prospects looking to make their decisions soon. Players like Jireh Edwards and Anthony Jones have been mentioned as potential additions, suggesting that the tide may turn even more favorably for Alabama as they look to fortify their defensive ranks.

This wave of recruiting talent has certainly injected new energy into the program, with Griffin leading the charge. Alabama fans have much to look forward to as they watch this recruitment saga unfold. With each new commitment, the hopes and expectations for next season are undoubtedly climbing. With Griffin set to don the Crimson and White, there’s no doubt that Alabama football is regaining its powerful foothold in collegiate sports.

As we track this promising trajectory, it’s clear that Alabama continue to be a force to reckon with in college football recruitment, showing us that when it comes to mining talent, they have a good hand. The future is looking bright for both Xavier Griffin and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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