Top 2026 Linebacker’s Shocking Alabama Commitment Sends Ripples Through College Football World

Griffin is ranked as the No. 27 overall prospect and the 2nd-best linebacker in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Had the news went Ohio State’s way on Sunday it would have been a major shocker as the program looks to put the finishing touches on its 2026 recruiting class.

In what isn’t much of a surprise, five-star 2026 linebacker Xavier Griffin announced his commitment to Alabama on Sunday.James Laurinaitis and Ohio State had hopes early on that Griffin could join an already solid linebacker room because of the prospects over the last couple of cycles, but as of late, the trend has been towards Tuscaloosa despite Griffin decommitting from USC and immediately scheduling a visit to Coumbus. In the end, the pull to stay in the south for the Georgia product proved to be too much.Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.

Well, it looks like the chatter around five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin’s recruitment has finally settled — and surprise, surprise, he’s heading to Alabama. Despite Ohio State and James Laurinaitis holding some hope, the Georgia native’s Southern roots and recent moves, like ditching USC and popping in for a visit to Columbus, just weren’t enough to sway him from the Crimson Tide’s pull. Ranked 27th overall and considered the second-best linebacker in the 2026 class by 247Sports Composite, Griffin’s decision marks a significant turning point as Ohio State closes in on completing its next recruiting haul. So, while the Buckeyes’ linebacker group remains robust, they’ll have to keep their eyes peeled for the next big prospect. LEARN MOREFor now, Laurinaitis and company will soldier on with the fantastic group he has at the spot.