Recruiting War Heats Up: Georgia Bulldogs Push Hard to Flip 5-Star EDGE Xavier Griffin Despite His ‘Locked In’ Pledge to USC Trojans
The recruitment trail in college football is rarely quiet, and the latest buzz centers around one of the top defensive prospects in the nation—Xavier Griffin. A five-star EDGE rusher out of the West Coast, Griffin has already committed to the USC Trojans, going so far as to call himself “locked in.” But that hasn’t stopped the Georgia Bulldogs from launching an aggressive late push in an attempt to flip the elite pass-rusher before signing day. This battle between two powerhouse programs is as much about prestige as it is about talent, and Griffin’s decision will be one of the most impactful in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Xavier Griffin has become a household name among college football fans and recruiting analysts alike. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, he has the size, explosiveness, and instincts that project well at the collegiate level and beyond. He dominates the line of scrimmage, wins battles with both speed and power, and consistently wreaks havoc in opponents’ backfields. His junior season tape left scouts in awe as he tallied over 20 sacks and nearly 40 tackles for loss, and he’s just scratching the surface of what he can become with the right coaching and development. Programs from every major conference made a run at Griffin, but it was Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans who sealed his verbal commitment earlier this year, much to the delight of Trojan fans and West Coast football enthusiasts.
However, as any veteran recruiting observer knows, a verbal commitment is not binding. It is more like a declaration of intent, a snapshot of a recruit’s current leanings. Until a letter of intent is signed and faxed, anything can happen—and Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is no stranger to flipping top-tier talent. The Bulldogs, fresh off multiple College Football Playoff appearances and brimming with NFL-caliber defenders, are presenting Griffin with a compelling case: come to Athens and be the next great Bulldog to terrorize quarterbacks and make a name for himself in the Southeastern Conference.
Sources close to Griffin suggest that while he remains publicly committed to USC, he has kept communication lines open with Georgia’s staff. In particular, outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann have been relentless in their pursuit. The Bulldogs are selling development, elite competition, and a proven path to the NFL. Griffin has reportedly been impressed with Georgia’s ability to produce first-round picks at his position, citing names like Nolan Smith, Travon Walker, and Azeez Ojulari as examples of what could await him in Athens. Additionally, Georgia’s use of hybrid defensive fronts that allow EDGE players to thrive in multiple alignments has intrigued Griffin, who prides himself on versatility.
Meanwhile, the Trojans are doing everything they can to hold on. USC has been working hard to shore up their defense, and Griffin is expected to be the crown jewel of their 2025 class. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has personally taken a lead role in maintaining Griffin’s commitment. The Trojans are promising early playing time, an opportunity to anchor the defense as a freshman, and a chance to be part of a cultural and athletic revival in Los Angeles. With the move to the Big Ten, USC is looking to bolster its defense to match the physicality of its new conference rivals, and Griffin fits that mold perfectly.
The stakes for both programs are incredibly high. For Georgia, landing Griffin would be another notch in the belt of a program that continues to dominate the national recruiting landscape. Despite already having a top-five class in the works, adding Griffin could push the Bulldogs even higher in the national rankings and solidify their front seven as the most feared in college football for years to come. For USC, holding onto Griffin would be a statement that they can win major recruiting battles on the national stage, even against the SEC’s elite. It would also send a message to future recruits that USC is serious about rebuilding its defense and competing for championships in the Big Ten.
Behind the scenes, the recruiting efforts are intense. Georgia has reportedly ramped up its communication with Griffin’s family and inner circle, hosting them on private visits and emphasizing the Bulldogs’ family atmosphere, academic support, and alumni network. Griffin’s parents are said to be impressed with Georgia’s pitch, particularly its emphasis on life after football and its success placing players into the NFL. Kirby Smart has also reportedly made personal visits and late-night calls to reinforce his belief that Griffin belongs in Athens.
On social media, the saga has played out subtly. Griffin has retweeted highlights of Georgia’s dominant defensive performances and followed several Bulldog players and coaches on Instagram. While these actions don’t confirm a flip, they’ve certainly raised eyebrows. USC fans have tried to downplay these signs, while Georgia supporters interpret them as breadcrumbs pointing to a potential change of heart. Recruiting insiders have noted a slight shift in Griffin’s tone in interviews—still complimentary of USC, but increasingly open about what Georgia has to offer.
Adding another layer of complexity is the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape. Both programs are reportedly offering robust NIL packages, but Georgia’s well-established collective and proven success stories may provide them with a slight edge. Former Bulldogs stars now in the NFL, such as Jalen Carter and Nakobe Dean, have praised Georgia’s approach to NIL as player-focused and professionally structured. For a prospect like Griffin, who has aspirations beyond college, that kind of infrastructure could be the tipping point.
There’s also the question of fit. USC offers the comfort of staying on the West Coast, close to home, and being part of a dynamic offense-led team that’s striving for defensive balance. The Trojans’ facilities, location, and media exposure are all major draws. But Georgia offers a different kind of platform—one forged in the fire of SEC battles, backed by raucous home crowds at Sanford Stadium, and guided by a coach with national titles on his resume. Griffin would be competing against the best every week, sharpening his skills and boosting his NFL draft stock.
As the summer progresses, the visits will intensify. Griffin is expected to take an official visit to Georgia before the early signing period, giving the Bulldogs a critical opportunity to make their final pitch. It’s likely to be a high-stakes weekend, with Griffin walking the red carpet and meeting current players, academic advisors, and former greats. If Georgia can generate enough momentum during that visit, they may succeed in pulling off one of the biggest flips of the 2025 class.
Meanwhile, USC is preparing to counter. The Trojans are expected to bring Griffin in for another visit as well, showcasing their renovated facilities, academic programs, and growing list of NFL Draft picks under Riley’s regime. They will lean on the relationships built over the past year, hoping that continuity and familiarity will be enough to hold off Georgia’s late surge.
For Xavier Griffin, the decision is monumental. On one hand, he has a bond with USC and a chance to be the face of their defensive rebuild. On the other, Georgia offers a fast track to the NFL and a chance to play for national titles in the country’s most competitive conference. The pressure is immense, and everyone from fans to analysts is watching his every move. Griffin has remained composed throughout, insisting that he’s focused on finishing his high school career strong and weighing all options carefully before making a final decision.
The recruiting world knows that no pledge is safe until pen hits paper. Georgia’s push to flip Xavier Griffin is more than just a Hail Mary; it’s a calculated, full-court press from a program that knows how to close. USC, aware of the threat, is doing everything in its power to lock things down. As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear—Xavier Griffin’s recruitment will be one of the defining stories of the 2025 cycle, and his final choice could shift the balance of power in college football for years to come.
