The Tide is Rollin’: Alabama Lands Commitment from 2026 Five-Star Linebacker Xavier Griffin Over Texas, FSU, and Ohio State

The Alabama Crimson Tide continues to flex its recruiting muscle on the national stage, securing yet another elite commitment for its 2026 class. This time, it comes in the form of five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, one of the nation’s most coveted defensive prospects. Griffin, a standout from Gainesville High School in Georgia, officially announced his commitment to Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over powerhouse programs Texas, Florida State, and Ohio State.

The decision carries personal significance for Griffin and his family. Though he resides in Georgia, his roots and heart have always been with Alabama. Both he and his mother grew up lifelong Crimson Tide fans, and now the dream of wearing the iconic Alabama jersey will soon become reality for the talented linebacker.

Griffin becomes the 14th commitment in Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class, which continues to build momentum as one of the best in the country. His pledge only solidifies the Crimson Tide’s reputation as the premier destination for elite defensive talent.

Regarded as the No. 2 linebacker nationally in the 2026 recruiting cycle according to the 247Sports Composite, Griffin is a consensus top-30 overall prospect, with several services ranking him even higher. His blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him the type of player college coaches build their defenses around.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing approximately 225 pounds, Griffin boasts the prototype frame college coaches covet for modern linebackers. His sideline-to-sideline speed, ability to shed blocks, and instincts in both the run game and pass coverage have drawn comparisons to some of the Crimson Tide’s most decorated linebackers from years past.

For Alabama, landing Griffin represents more than just adding another blue-chip recruit to the roster — it reinforces the program’s ability to keep homegrown talent within the state borders, even when national competition intensifies. Griffin’s decision to roll with the Tide came after months of recruitment from some of college football’s most storied programs, including Texas, Florida State, and Ohio State. Each offered their unique vision for his development, but ultimately, the pull of Tuscaloosa and a lifetime of rooting for Alabama proved too strong to resist.

“It’s a dream come true,” Griffin shared during his commitment announcement. “Growing up, me and my mom always watched Alabama football. Seeing guys like C.J. Mosley, Dont’a Hightower, and Will Anderson dominate — that’s what I always wanted for myself. I believe Alabama is the place that will help me reach my full potential.”

Griffin’s recruitment has been in the national spotlight for nearly two years, as scouts and analysts marveled at his performances on the field. During his junior campaign at Gainesville High School, Griffin posted staggering numbers, including over 100 total tackles, double-digit tackles for loss, multiple sacks, and several pass deflections. His versatility allows him to line up both inside and outside, giving defensive coordinators a weapon who can adapt to multiple schemes.

While Alabama’s coaching staff has consistently prioritized top defensive players, securing Griffin underscores their commitment to maintaining the Crimson Tide’s legacy of linebacker excellence. Over the years, Alabama has produced a parade of NFL-ready linebackers, many of whom have gone on to earn All-American honors, first-round draft status, and Pro Bowl accolades. Names like C.J. Mosley, Rolando McClain, Reuben Foster, and Will Anderson Jr. are etched in Crimson Tide history — and now, Xavier Griffin hopes to add his own chapter.

Current Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, who succeeded Nick Saban after his historic retirement, made Griffin’s recruitment a top priority. Despite only being a few years into his tenure, DeBoer and his staff have maintained Alabama’s recruiting edge, proving that the program’s championship DNA remains intact. Griffin’s commitment is evidence that elite talent still believes in the Alabama brand and its ability to develop players for the next level.

“It wasn’t just about tradition,” Griffin explained. “Coach DeBoer and the staff showed me how I’d fit into the defense, how they’d develop me, and how they’d push me every day. It’s everything I want — the challenge, the competition, and the opportunity to win championships.”

Griffin’s decision also represents a significant victory in the ongoing recruiting battles with programs like Texas, Florida State, and Ohio State. Each of those programs put forth compelling pitches, emphasizing early playing time, defensive roles, and NFL preparation. Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has built a formidable recruiting presence nationally, while Florida State and Ohio State continue to be staples among the sport’s elite. But in the end, Alabama’s combination of tradition, development, and personal ties won the day.

Looking ahead, Griffin projects to be an immediate-impact player once he arrives in Tuscaloosa. Though Alabama consistently boasts one of the deepest linebacker rooms in the country, Griffin’s skill set, maturity, and work ethic suggest he’ll be ready to compete for playing time from day one. His high school coach, Eric Holland, praised Griffin’s leadership and preparation, qualities that should translate well to the college level.

“Xavier’s the total package,” Holland said. “He’s got the athletic gifts, no doubt. But what separates him is his mind — his football IQ, his dedication to film study, his commitment to being great. Alabama’s getting a special one, no question.”

Griffin’s addition gives Alabama even more momentum as the 2026 class takes shape. With 14 commitments now on board, the Crimson Tide are building yet another top-tier group that balances offensive firepower with defensive dominance. In a college football landscape defined by high-stakes recruiting, Alabama remains a step ahead, securing both quality and quantity at key positions.

The commitment also resonates beyond just football. For Griffin and his family, this moment marks the realization of a lifelong dream. His mother, a devoted Alabama fan herself, expressed pride and gratitude for the opportunity her son now has to represent the Crimson Tide on the biggest stage.

“This means everything to our family,” she shared. “We’ve bled crimson and white for as long as I can remember. To see my son not only achieve his dreams but do it at the school we’ve always loved — it’s truly special.”

With Griffin now part of the fold, Alabama’s coaching staff will turn its attention to rounding out the 2026 class and preparing for the seasons ahead. Expectations remain sky-high in Tuscaloosa, but commitments like Xavier Griffin’s serve as a reminder that the Crimson Tide is far from slowing down. The tradition continues, the standard remains, and as Griffin himself put it best — the Tide is rollin’.