It’s decision season. And there’s one 5-star LB who’s stealing SEC headlines. Just last July, Xavier Griffin pledged to Lincoln Riley and USC, locking in what looked like a West Coast steal from SEC territory. But just last week, there was a change of heart, and he decommitted. That decision didn’t just rattle the Trojans; it shifted the entire 2026 recruiting landscape. USC losing him is a huge blow, as LSU jumped back to replace them and claimed the No. 1 recruiting rank of the 2026 class. And now, the buzz is all SEC, and one powerhouse might’ve just pulled ahead. 

SEC leaders like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas are very interested in Xavier Griffin. But where’s he leaning on? In a new episode of After Further Review: LSU on May 20, On3Sports’ Shea Dixon joined Matt Moscona to drop some insider whispers on Griffin’s inclination. While many thought the Georgia native would sway to Athens, the twist is that “the buzz right now is all around Bama,” as Dixon said. Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide didn’t just throw their hat in the ring; they’re already in the living room. 

Family ties might be playing a huge role in Xavier Griffin’s Alabama leaning. “I think his Grandma’s living in Tuscaloosa and he’s got some kind of ties to the area,” Dixon stated. “The staff has been on them for a long time, so signs are pointing that way.” And his grandfather works just down the street from Bryant-Denny. So there are some real roots in this interest. Plus, Bama LB coach Christian Robinson has been all over this kid for months, building a strong relationship. You can’t fake that kind of consistency, and clearly, the coveted kid is noticing. 

On3’s Steve Wiltfong is doubling down on this Alabama trajectory too, saying that Kalen DeBoer and co. are “in a great spot” for the young LB and that Alabama is the program to watch. Xavier Griffin is the nation’s No. 2 LB out of Gainesville High in Georgia. The 6’2, 220-pounder put up 43 tackles, 13 for loss, and six sacks in just eight games last season. No wonder blue-blood programs are lining up for his attention.

Dixon added, “Texas is trying to jump in the mix. Obviously, LSU and who’s who of any team in the Southeast will try to get involved. But it seems most people are thinking, ‘Hey look, watch out for Bama not Georgia here.'” However, we can’t crown the Tide just yet because the competition is far from relaxed. 

The SEC powerhouses are wooing Xavier Griffin relentlessly 

Texas is lurking as the biggest threat to Alabama’s edge for Xavier Griffin. The Longhorns gave him a big-time visit in Austin. So don’t sleep on them because Steve Sarkisian and his squad know how to recruit, especially when there’s a chance to poach SEC talent. And then, there’s in-state school Georgia and national champions Ohio State, too. 

Both the Bulldogs and the Buckeyes are trying to remind Xavier Griffin why they’re perennial NFL factories. Georgia’s leaning into their intensity and culture, while Ohio State’s flashing the brand. But as far as the vibe stands right now, Alabama’s leading, and everyone else is chasing.

If the Tide locks him up, their 2026 class will get a huge upgrade. They’re already No. 9 in the nation and No. 4 in the SEC. And the young star would be joining other stars like 5-star CB Jorden Edmonds and 4-star IOL Chris Booker, among others. Not a bad crew to run with. 

Recruitment battles are far from over, but Alabama has their hands firmly on the wheel for this one. If they close the deal, Xavier Griffin could be the heart of their next great defense.