The USC Trojans have suffered their first big loss of the 2026 recruiting cycle, with the decommitment of 5-star LB Xavier Griffin.
While it sounds like this was a mutual decision, as USC wanted Griffin to shut down his recruitment, and the young, talented linebacker wanted to keep his options open and take visits, it is still a loss for the Trojans.
He is the No. 1-ranked LB in the class and was the USC Trojans’ top commitment. He was primarily recruited by Coach Henderson and Coach Nua, signifying that they planned on using him as an EDGE defender, but his versatility would have allowed them to use him all over the field.
Now the question is, if USC was ok parting ways with his commitment, who are they targeting to replace him?
When looking at the EDGE position, two names to keep an eye on are Luke Wafle and Kevin Ford.
USC Trojans Look To New EDGE Targets
Both Coach Henderson and Coach Nua were out on the East Coast for an in-home visit with Luke Wafle and his family. Shortly after, Wafle released his Top 4, and USC made the cut.
- USC Trojans
- Ohio State
- Texas
- Penn State
Wafle is a 4-star EDGE from New Jersey. He is the 10th-ranked EDGE in the 2026 class, per On3 Industry Rankings. He will have his official visit to USC on June 13th.
Also Read: USC Trojans Receive Another Commitment Crystal Ball For Top Defensive Player
Kevin Ford is the 18th-ranked EDGE in the 2026 class out of Texas. He is favored to end up at Texas A&M, but the USC Trojans are firmly in the mix. He has his official visit scheduled with USC on June 20th.
Some other names to keep an eye on who have official visits scheduled with USC:
- June 6
- Derek Coleman-Brusa – Washington Commit – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- June 13
- Hezekiah Harris – Auburn Commit – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Jackson Ford – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Dre Quinn – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Max Meier – Stanford Commit – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- June 20
- Trenton Henderson – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Khamari Brooks – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Zach Groves – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The loss of Griffin will certainly sting, but there is still a ton of talent out there, and USC has a good shot with all of them.
Thoughts, Trojan Fam? Comment below.