Lincoln Riley's USC lands commitment from four-star LB Xavier Griffin to the class of 2026: Reports

Four-star linebacker Xavier Griffin from the 2026 class has committed to USC. He announced it on Saturday during an unofficial visit to USC. Alabama, Florida State, Oregon, LSU, Texas, Penn State, Florida, Georgia, Clemson and Auburn were all vying for his talent.

Griffin's commitment comes after a June visit to USC with his mother, followed by a return visit this weekend. His decision reflects the growing recruiting momentum USC has been building, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Lincoln Riley was vocal about it, saying:

"I think, No. 1, there is a lot of excitement around what we're doing defensively right now," Riley told Rivals. "I mean, some of the things that have happened there, especially in the positive early on, are real and they're going to continue to happen."

Griffin, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 210 pounds, is an outstanding pass rusher who had 54 total tackles, 15 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his sophomore season. He is likely to move to outside linebacker at USC, which aligns with the Trojans' defensive scheme's long-term goals.

Griffin's commitment propels USC's 2026 recruiting class back to the No. 1 spot nationally. He is the fifth commitment in the class, joining four-star cornerback Brandon Lockhart, four-star cornerback Dominik Kelly, three-star cornerback Madden Riordan and three-star wide receiver Tron Baker.

Why did Xavier Griffin pick USC over Georgia?

Before the unofficial visit to USC, Xavier Griffin made trips to Alabama and Florida State this spring. Georgia also heavily trended for him and even had the lead in his recruitment, with the lone Crystal Ball projection, according to 247 Spprts.

But Griffin's relationship with USC's coach Eric Henderson ultimately forced him to think twice. Griffin has been in communication with Henderson since January.

"I felt that I was the biggest priority at USC," Griffin told USCFootball.com. "The defensive scheme they are building is world class. Thank you to coach Lincoln Riley and coach Henderson. Fight On!"

Griffin is tabbed as the No. 1 linebacker, the No. 1 player in the state of Georgia and the No. 15 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to 247 Sports. On3 ranks him as the No. 6 linebacker, the No. 10 player in Georgia and the No. 68 overall prospect in the class.

Xavier Griffin is set to visit the Alabama Crimson Tide on Sunday for the program's big recruiting event. Is a flipping decision on the way? Let's see.