Xavier Griffin Decommits From USC, Schedules Visits

Five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, a top prospect in the 2026 class from Gainesville High School in Georgia, has decommitted from USC, ending a commitment made in July 2024. His decision was partly due to USC's policy that prohibits committed players from taking official visits to other schools, which conflicted with Griffin's desire to explore his options. Following his decommitment, Griffin has scheduled official visits to Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, and Florida State, all of which are competing for his signature. Griffin's departure is a significant setback for USC's highly ranked 2026 recruiting class, which previously had more ESPN 300 pledges than any other program. His recruitment is being closely watched as his next decision could influence national recruiting rankings. The schools hosting Griffin hope to secure his commitment to bolster their future defenses.