Elite 2026 LB Xavier Griffin commits to USC Trojans

Gainesville (Ga.) 2026 four-star linebacker Xavier Griffin has committed to the USC Trojans, he tells On3.

Griffin is the nation’s No. 27 overall prospect, No. 2 linebacker and No. 5 recruit from Georgia in the 2026 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Griffin was back in Los Angeles this weekend for the Trojans’ July recruiting weekend. He also previously visited Southern Cal in June with his mother.

“I felt that I’m the biggest priority at USC,” Griffin told On3. “The defensive scheme that they are building is world-class.”

Griffin joins a USC class featuring four additional 2026 commitments. Los Angeles Loyola four-star cornerback Brandon Lockhart also ranks inside the top 40 alongside Griffin. Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy cornerback Dominick Kelly and Los Alamitos (Calif.) wide receiver Ja’Myron Baker also rate as four-star prospects.

Pasadena (Calif.) Sierra Canyon three-star athlete Madden Riordan joined the class back in November.