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Five-star 2026 linebacker commits to Alabama over Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin committed to Alabama on Sunday, choosing to roll with the Tide over Ohio State, Florida State and Texas.
At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Griffin is the No. 27 overall prospect and No. 2 linebacker in the 247Sports composite rankings. He’s also the No. 4 player in the state of Georgia.
Ohio State felt in the mix, for at least a while, considering he decommitted from USC on May 14 and then immediately scheduled an official visit to Columbus. He was on hand for the first weekend, on May 30.
The Buckeyes weren’t able to land Griffin, though, as he’ll stay in SEC country.
Ohio State has two linebackers in its 2026 class: Cincere Johnson (No. 71 overall) and CJ Sanna (No. 296 overall). After taking three linebackers in the 2025 class, the Buckeyes could indeed be set with those two linebackers in the class.
