Xavier Griffin, the No. 2 linebacker in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, revealed his commitment to Alabama on Sunday afternoon.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 200 pounds, Xavier Griffin picked Alabama over other top contenders—Florida State, Ohio State, and Texas. He stars at Gainesville High School in Georgia.
The 247Sports Composite ranks the five-star linebacker as the No. 27 overall player nationally. Since May 30, he has taken official visits to all four of his finalist schools.
Over the past two seasons, Griffin has totaled 97 tackles, 21 sacks, and three forced fumbles, per 247Sports.
Meanwhile, Tyler Atkinson, the nation’s top-ranked linebacker from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, remains uncommitted. He has taken official visits to Clemson, Georgia, Oregon, and Texas.
5-Star LB Commits to Alabama, Choosing Crimson Tide Over Florida State, Ohio State, and Texas After Visits
Alabama added a major piece to its 2026 recruiting class Sunday as five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide. The Gainesville (Ga.) High School standout is ranked as the No. 2 linebacker and the No. 27 overall prospect in the nation by the 247Sports Composite.
Griffin, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound defensive standout, picked Alabama over fellow finalists Florida State, Ohio State, and Texas. He took official visits to all four programs in the past month, wrapping up a busy recruiting schedule that began in late May.
Griffin was previously committed to USC but reopened his recruitment earlier this year. Alabama surged to the front following his official visit in early June, where he connected with defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson.
Over the last two seasons, Griffin has totaled 97 tackles, 21 sacks, and three forced fumbles, showcasing elite pass-rushing skills and sideline-to-sideline range. His athleticism and production have made him one of the most sought-after defensive players in the 2026 class.
With Griffin on board, Alabama’s class continues to climb in national rankings. He joins a growing list of highly rated prospects committed to head coach Kalen DeBoer’s program, which has gained significant momentum this summer.
While Griffin’s decision is a major win for Alabama, the Tide remain in pursuit of other top defenders, including Tyler Atkinson — the No. 1 linebacker in the class — who remains uncommitted.
