The USC Trojans are in line for a historic 2026 recruiting class. We have talked extensively about how they have a new-found dedication to recruiting California, but there is still a need to recruit nationally and go after some of the top prospects in the nation.
The number one commit in the USC Trojans class is currently 4-star (industry rankings) Gainesville linebacker Xavier Griffin. 247 Sports just updated their rankings, and they rate Griffin as a 5-star and just moved him to the top of their rankings.
He is now the No. 1 LB in the country and the 8th-ranked overall player. He is also the only 5-star LB in the Country.
USC Trojans Commit Xavier Griffin Moves To No. 1
The 6’3, 205-pound LB out of Gainesville, Georgia, has been committed to the Trojans since July, has visited USC five times already, and has two more visits scheduled. According to On3, he has an unofficial visit scheduled for April 25 and has his official visit planned for June 20th, which is shaping up to be a monster weekend.
Even as an LB, Coach Henderson and Coach Nua have been leading the charge in his recruitment. Back in January, Coach Riley, Lynn, Henderson, and new LB Coach Rob Ryan went out to Gainsville to visit Griffin. He was also on campus for the USC Trojans Junior Day at the beginning of February.
Thanks to my @uscfb coaches for coming by and showing us love today @RecruitTheG !! Can’t wait to get it going with this crew!! @LincolnRiley @Coach_Henny @dantonlynn @flowlikerob pic.twitter.com/AQTifYUU2j
— Xavier Griffin (@zay_social) January 27, 2025
Aside from his speed, size, and athleticism, what makes Griffin so special is his versatility. He can be an off-ball linebacker as he his tremendous from sideline to sideline and fantastic in coverage, but he can also rush the quarterback off the edge as a standing rusher or with his hand in the dirt.
While there is still a long way to go till signing day, Griffin feels much different than some of the Southeast recruits that were committed last year before ultimately de-committing and playing closer to home. He has been steadfast in his commitment, and the fact that he will have visited SC seven times by this summer speaks volumes.
Subscribe To Our USC LAFB YouTube Channel
Also, you have to factor in that the USC Trojans are just in a much better place than it was a year ago. The proof of concept of the defensive improvement was put on display in 2024. The new staff has a year under their belt and has the addition of the legendary Rob Ryan. NIL and fundraising are the best that they have ever been. Oh, and the program arguably has the best front office in the sport, led by GM Chad Bowden.
Also to note, Griffin’s former teammate at Gainesville, OL Alex Payne, was a late flip to the USC Trojans in the 2025 Class. He actually flipped to SC a few months after Griffin was already committed.
Things can happen in the wild west that is college recruiting, but the No. 1 linebacker is a Trojan, and USC aims to keep it that way.