Kalen DeBoer and Alabama football are in a strong position with 5-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, who recently backed off a long-time commitment to USC and has now canceled a visit to Georgia that was expected to happen this weekend.
Griffin, a top-tier prospect in the 2026 class ranked as the No. 2 linebacker and No. 27 overall player in the 247Sports Composite, received a Crystal Ball prediction for Alabama from a Georgia-based recruiting analyst soon after his decommitment. He also scheduled an official visit to Tuscaloosa for the weekend of June 6.
Though Georgia didn’t make Griffin’s list of four official visits, he was still expected to visit Athens informally—but those plans have now changed, further boosting Alabama’s standing.
The Crimson Tide are recruiting Griffin as a “Wolf” linebacker in Kane Wommack’s defensive scheme, though he has the versatility to start on the edge and eventually shift inside—similar to former Alabama standout Jihaad Campbell. Campbell, a first-round NFL Draft pick, played inside on early downs and transitioned to a pass-rushing role on passing downs due to his elite athleticism, a path Alabama could be pitching to Griffin.
Kalen DeBoer and staff have made major in-roads in Georgia
Alabama already holds a commitment from 5-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds out of Marietta, Georgia—ranked by 247Sports as the No. 2 player in the state for the 2026 cycle. Xavier Griffin, also from Georgia, holds the No. 1 spot. If Alabama can land Griffin as well, Kalen DeBoer and his staff could be on track to pull the top two players in Georgia away from Kirby Smart—a move that would make a major statement on the recruiting trail.
While Georgia currently leads for 5-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson, Alabama has been a consistent presence in his recruitment and remains firmly in the mix as his decision nears.
The Crimson Tide staff has placed a strong emphasis on locking down talent in-state for the 2026 class, but the program continues to recruit Georgia aggressively. The Peach State has long been a fertile recruiting ground for Alabama and remains a key area of focus.
Nick Saban built a reputation for winning recruiting battles in Georgia—even against Smart and his staff. Early signs suggest DeBoer is picking up right where Saban left off in that regard.
