Nick Saban may be gone, but Alabama’s recruiting machine is still rolling full speed ahead. The Crimson Tide just landed one of the nation’s premier defensive playmakers—5-star linebacker Xavier Griffin out of Gainesville High School in Georgia. Griffin announced his commitment to Alabama over a group of powerhouse finalists that included Florida State, Ohio State, and Texas.
Griffin, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 200 pounds, is widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class. Nationally ranked as the No. 27 overall recruit and one of the elite linebacker talents in the country, his decision is a major win for new head coach Kalen DeBoer, who continues to build on Alabama’s storied defensive legacy.
The road to Griffin’s commitment was highly competitive. Since May 30, he took official visits to all four of his finalists, each program rolling out the red carpet for the explosive defender. In the end, it was Tuscaloosa that won his heart—and his game-changing talent.
On the field, Griffin has been nothing short of dominant over the past two seasons. He’s recorded an impressive 97 tackles, a staggering 21 sacks, and added three forced fumbles. His blend of speed, physicality, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses and a dream addition for the Crimson Tide’s defensive unit.
With Griffin now off the board, attention turns to Tyler Atkinson—the nation’s No. 1 linebacker prospect—who remains uncommitted. Atkinson, from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, has made official visits to Clemson, Georgia, Oregon, and Texas. While his decision is still pending, many fans and analysts believe a commitment could be imminent.
Still, Griffin’s pledge is a powerful statement for Alabama. It signals that the Tide remains an elite destination for top-tier talent, even in a new coaching era. DeBoer and his staff are proving they can win in living rooms as much as on Saturdays, and Griffin could be a cornerstone in what’s shaping up to be another top-ranked class.
As Alabama continues to reload, rather than rebuild, adding a high-motor, high-impact player like Xavier Griffin sends a clear message to the rest of college football: The Crimson Tide isn’t going anywhere.
