2026 Five-Star Recruit Xavier Griffin Decommits From USC

David

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Post on May 17, 2025

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Five-Star Recruit Xavier Griffin Decommits from USC: A Shock to the Trojan Family

The college football world is buzzing after five-star recruit Xavier Griffin, a highly touted linebacker from Santa Ana, California, announced his decommitment from the University of Southern California (USC). This unexpected move sends ripples through the Trojan recruiting class and leaves Lincoln Riley and his staff scrambling to re-evaluate their strategy for the 2026 season. The news, broken earlier today on social media, has already ignited intense speculation about Griffin's next destination.

Griffin's Decommitment: What We Know

Griffin, widely considered one of the top linebackers in the 2026 recruiting class, made the announcement via his personal Twitter account. His statement was brief, stating simply that he was opening his recruitment back up and thanking USC for the opportunity. He offered no specific reasons for his decommitment, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate about the underlying causes.

This stunning development comes just months after Griffin's highly publicized commitment to USC in the summer. His pledge was seen as a major victory for the Trojans, solidifying their position as a top contender for national recruiting titles. Now, the question on everyone's mind is: where will Griffin end up?

Potential Landing Spots for Griffin

Several schools are already being touted as potential landing spots for the coveted linebacker. Given his California roots, in-state rivals like UCLA and Stanford are natural contenders. Other powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, are also likely to make a strong push for his services.

• UCLA: With Chip Kelly's consistent success and a strong recent history of linebacker development, UCLA poses a significant threat to steal Griffin away from the Trojans.
• Stanford: Known for its academic excellence and strong football tradition, Stanford could be an attractive alternative for Griffin, particularly if academics play a significant role in his decision.
• Out-of-State Powerhouses: The allure of national championship contention might draw Griffin to programs like Alabama, Georgia, or Ohio State, all known for their consistently high-performing linebacker units.

Impact on USC's 2026 Recruiting Class

Griffin's decommitment is a significant blow to USC's already-impressive 2026 recruiting class. While the Trojans still boast a strong collection of talent, losing a player of Griffin's caliber will undoubtedly impact their overall ranking and their chances of competing for a national championship. Coach Riley will need to work diligently to maintain momentum and secure commitments from other top recruits to mitigate the impact of this loss.

What's Next?

The coming weeks will be crucial for both Griffin and USC. Expect to see a flurry of activity as other top programs vie for Griffin's commitment. For USC, the focus will shift to damage control and recruiting replacements. This sudden turn of events underscores the highly competitive and often unpredictable nature of college football recruiting. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.

Keywords: Xavier Griffin, USC, Decommitment, 2026 Recruiting Class, Five-Star Recruit, College Football, Lincoln Riley, UCLA, Stanford, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Linebacker

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