Los Angeles, CA — In a move that has set the college football world abuzz, USC commit Xavier Griffin, the nation’s top-ranked linebacker, will be returning to Alabama for a visit during the Crimson Tide’s highly anticipated showdown against Georgia. The visit, scheduled for September 28, has sparked intense speculation about the future of the star recruit, who committed to USC earlier this summer.
Griffin, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker from Montgomery, Alabama, is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic defensive players in the 2025 recruiting class. Known for his speed, versatility, and football IQ, Griffin’s commitment to USC was seen as a major coup for head coach Lincoln Riley, who has been aggressively rebuilding the Trojans’ defense to compete in the SEC starting in 2024.
However, Griffin’s decision to visit Alabama during one of the season’s most critical SEC matchups has raised questions about the firmness of his commitment to USC. Alabama head coach Nick Saban has a long-standing reputation for flipping top recruits, and the visit has fueled rumors that the Crimson Tide may be making a late push to bring the local star back home.
Griffin’s visit comes at a time when Alabama is gearing up for a pivotal season under Saban, who is eyeing another national championship run. The Alabama-Georgia game, which could have significant implications for the SEC title race, will undoubtedly be a showcase for the program’s prowess, both on the field and in recruiting.
For USC, the visit is a reminder of the challenges that come with recruiting elite talent from traditional SEC strongholds. While Griffin has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to USC on several occasions, his decision to attend the Alabama-Georgia game indicates that the Crimson Tide are not giving up without a fight.
Sources close to Griffin suggest that the visit is part of his broader effort to experience some of college football’s biggest environments before finalizing his decision. “Xavier has always wanted to see as much as he can before he steps on campus,” one source said. “He’s committed to USC, but he’s also a young man who loves the game and wants to soak in everything he can.”
USC fans, however, are keeping a close eye on the situation, aware that recruiting battles often extend well beyond a verbal commitment. The Trojans are building momentum on the recruiting trail, and losing Griffin would be a significant blow, particularly as the program transitions into the more competitive SEC landscape.
As the college football season progresses, all eyes will be on Griffin and his future decision. For now, USC remains in the driver’s seat, but Alabama’s influence looms large, especially with the allure of playing for a perennial powerhouse in his home state.
Xavier Griffin’s visit to Alabama for the Georgia game could be a defining moment in his recruitment, and the outcome may reverberate across the college football landscape. Whether he sticks with his commitment to USC or decides to stay closer to home, the decision of the nation’s top linebacker will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2025 recruiting cycle.
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