Five-Star Linebacker’s Surprising Ohio State Official Visit After Shocking USC Decommitment—What’s Next?

Summer camp season is creeping up fast across the college football scene, and you can bet the nation’s top prospects are gearing up for their big tours — complete with all the glitz, glam, and that oh-so-important glimpse into campus life. Ohio State’s already got a packed calendar for May and June, but hold onto your hats — they just landed a huge addition. Remember Xavier Griffin? The five-star linebacker from Gainesville, Georgia, who initially gave USC his word nearly a year ago? Well, he’s back in the mix after recently reopening his recruitment, and he’s set to make an official visit to Columbus. With linebackers coach James Laurinaitis and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia closing in sway, the Buckeyes have a genuine shot at wooing the No. 2 linebacker in the 247Sports composite rankings — a big deal, no doubt. And this battle isn’t happening in a vacuum; powerhouse programs like Alabama, Texas, and Florida State are hot on Griffin’s trail right after Ohio State’s visit. Plus, OSU’s hustle for top-rated linebacker Tyler Atkinson — also hailing from Georgia — shows this coaching staff means business. Picture this: nabbing the nation’s top two linebackers, both from the Deep South. It’d be nothing short of a recruiting coup. Buckle up, folks — things are heating up fast in Buckeye country. LEARN MORE

It’s almost time for summer camps all across the college football landscape. Recruits will be making trips around the country to have the red carpet rolled out for them and to experience what life could be like wearing a particular school’s colors. Ohio State has a full slate of visitors scheduled for May and June, but it just got another one added and it’s a big one.Of course, Ohio State is also after Tyler Atkinson, who is the No. 1-rated linebacker in the country according to 247Sports composite rankings. Atkinson, who is also from Georgia, posted a picture with Laurinaitis and Patricia recently. Maybe the duo made their way to see Griffin on the same trip. What a coup it would be to land the top two linebackers in the country, especially with both being from the Deep South.The Buckeyes offered five-star Xavier Griffin in January of 2024. However, the Gainesville, Georgia, product was not swayed and committed to USC almost a year ago… until earlier this week, when he decommitted and reopened his recruitment. And now it seems that linebackers coach James Laurinaitis and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have made some headway, as Griffin has booked an official visit with Ohio State. The Buckeyes will get the first crack at impressing the No. 2-rated linebacker in the country, according to 247Sports composite rankings.

It appears that OSU will be competing with Alabama, Texas, and Florida State for his services. The young man has official visits scheduled with those three schools immediately following his trip to Columbus.