Xavier Griffin Dumps Alabama, Agrees to Stay with Ohio State in Blockbuster Signing Deal
Xavier Griffin Dumps Alabama, Agrees to Stay with Ohio State in Blockbuster Signing Deal
By Marcus Thompson | June 30, 2025
In one of the most shocking recruiting twists of the cycle, five‑star linebacker Xavier Griffin has decided to renege on his commitment to Alabama and instead ink a high-profile signing deal to remain with the Ohio State Buckeyes. His move reverberates through college football, reshaping the balance of power between Ohio State and perennial SEC powerhouse Alabama.
The Road to a Bombshell Decision
Xavier Griffin, a 6‑foot‑3, 205‑lb linebacker from Gainesville High School in Georgia, emerged early as one of the nation’s most coveted defensive prospects. Ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and No. 8 overall player in the class of 2026 by 247Sports, Griffin originally pledged to USC in July 2024 .
However, in May 2025, Griffin decommitted from USC, re‑opening his recruitment. He drew visits from top-tier programs, including Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, and Florida State . After official visits in late May and early June, he verbally committed to Alabama around June 29 — a decision that seemed to add a major piece to Kalen DeBoer’s rebuilding class .
Then came the bombshell: barely 24 hours after Alabama’s apparent celebration, Griffin shocked insiders by flipping his pledge to Ohio State, signing a monumental deal to stay in Columbus.
What Sparked the Flip?
The timing and nature of Griffin’s decision have drawn considerable scrutiny. Sources indicate that Alabama’s late surge and organizational message initially worked — but Ohio State’s counter-pitch proved decisive.
During his official visits to Alabama in early June, Griffin was sold on the Crimson Tide’s rich history, their development pathway under DC Kane Wommack and LB coach Christian Robinson, and his own legacy as a lifelong Alabama fan .
Yet, Ohio State had been making a full-court press. His official visit to Columbus in late May left a meaningful impression — reinforced by a push from linebacker coach James Laurinaitis and a strategic pitch from head coach Ryan Day . Reports suggest that Ohio State’s appeal rested on:
Relationship: Laurinaitis connected with Griffin on a personal level, framing the Buckeyes’ program as a home away from home. Griffin frequently emphasized that the Buckeyes “felt like home” .
Role & Scheme Fit: Ohio State guaranteed Griffin an immediate leadership role as a versatile WILL or MIKE linebacker in coordinator Jim Knowles’ aggressive system. They presented a long-term NFL projection.
Holistic Pitch: The visit focused on more than football — integrating academics, family environment, mental health support, and post-collegiate development .
The culmination appears to have been a finalized signing deal in Columbus — including a lucrative NIL package, personalized development plan, and assurances of academic and life support.
The Commitment: Ohio State Wins Big
According to insiders, Griffin’s flip hinged on a late-night agreement with Ohio State officials. That deal included:
1. Enhanced NIL terms, aligning with what Alabama offered.
2. A development blueprint, outlining position progression, off-season plan, and mentorship from NFL alumni.
3. A support network, integrating Griffin into a “Brotherhood” of Buckeye linebackers including current player CJ Hicks .
One source close to the Buckeyes stated, “Ohio State didn’t just offer Griffin the best roster spot — they sold him on the total package: family, education, NFL readiness. That’s what flipped the script.”
Griffin’s formal signing with Ohio State was submitted during the early signing period, much to the delight of Buckeye Nation. His arrival cements the 2026 class as one of the top defensive hauls in the country. With Griffin aboard, OSU’s 2026 class now features elite talent like five-star corner Elijah Darby and four-star safety Terrance Moore .
Alabama Left Stunned
For Alabama, leftover optimism quickly evaporated. Just days prior, Crimson Tide recruit Ezavier Crowell had posted celebratory messages on X (formerly Twitter), flooding the platform with elephant emojis after what appeared to be a locked-in Griffin decision .
Repeating heartbreak last seen during the Saban era, DeBoer’s program saw its top-rated linebacker commit slip away at the final hour — pending further NIL improvements by other recruits like Cederian Morgan and Jireh Edwards .
A vocal Tide insider told SportsKeeda: “Griffin flipped overnight. He loved all that Bama offered — but OSU made him feel like this was his place, not just a destination.”
Expert Reaction & Recruiting Implications
College football pundits have called this one of the most dramatic flips in recent memory. Alabama’s sudden reversal and Ohio State’s seizing of a five-star recruit has broad implications:
For Ohio State, it signals that the Buckeyes can flex their recruiting and NIL muscle, taking major talent even from SEC powerhouses.
For Alabama, it sharpens awareness about the new competitive landscape, where late NIL incentives and holistic support systems are crucial.
For recruits worldwide, it reiterates that verbal commitments—even seemingly firm ones—can still shift with the right package before official signing.
ESPN analyst Bobby Carpenter commented, “This isn’t just a ‘get’ for OSU — it’s paradigm shift stuff. Landing a top‑10 recruit from under Alabama’s nose changes expectations.”
What’s Next for Griffin & the Buckeyes
Griffin will spend the upcoming senior football season at Gainesville High, focused on winning a state title and refining his game. He plans to enroll early at Ohio State in January 2026, entering spring camp ready to compete .
At Ohio State, Griffin joins a program in transition — defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is expected to rebuild around him, Spartans in the Big Ten, NIL momentum is growing, and the team remains in national title contention.
For Alabama, the flip signals the importance of fortifying their NIL strategy and deepening familial ties with recruits. Their momentum remains strong, but the Griffin departure is a clear reminder of how high the stakes are in modern recruiting.
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Final Take
Xavier Griffin’s decision to ditch Alabama and sign with Ohio State is more than a flip — it’s a watershed moment that underscores the evolving power dynamics in college football recruiting. Ohio State’s comprehensive and relational approach prevailed over Alabama’s tradition and early momentum. As Griffin embarks on this next chapter, Buckeye fans are hoping he’s the linchpin of a championship defense. Meanwhile, Alabama is forced to regroup amid a shifting recruiting battlefield.
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*Marcus Thompson covers college football and NIL developments for The Collegiate Insider.*