Tennessee Recruiting Narrowing In On 4-Star Flip Target Xavier Griffin: USC Trojans Commit

Four-star linebacker Xavier Griffin committed to the USC Trojans on July 27. Griffin is one of USC’s top recruits from the class of 2026 and continued to visit schools after his commitment. Many schools are pushing to flip him.

One school making a big push to flip Griffin is Tennessee. Tennessee hosted several recruits in March, including Griffin. Tennessee Volunteers' recruiter, Matt Ray, spoke to On3 about the school pushing to recruit Griffin and turning a flip into a real possibility.

Tennessee Volunteers Josh Heupel — Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel walks off the field after the loss to Ohio State after their NCAA college football playoff game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ray discussed that while Griffin is committed to the USC Trojans, the elite linebacker has continued to visit schools. From the class of 2026, Griffin is the No. 24 recruit in the nation, the No. 2 linebacker, and the No. 3 recruit from Georgia, per On3.

“I think you’ve got to continue getting him to campus. Xavier Griffin was quietly up in Knoxville in November. He’s been pretty open that he’s going to continue to take visits, he’s back in Knoxville this spring.” Ray said.

Ray elaborated on the importance of continuously bringing Griffin on campus so he can learn more about the program.

“Now you’ve got a track record of getting him here, you have to keep getting him back to campus and you’ve got to get an official visit at some point down the lone to be able to allow him to learn more about the program, give him that in-depth look where you can make him a true potential flip target,” Ray said.

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Ray discussed with On3 that he believed Tennessee’s odds to flip Griffin had grown since his last visit with the Vols.

“It’s a visit that went very well. He had family members along on the visit with him, some of their first times seeing Knoxville. I think the football fit has always lined up with him at Tennessee, but I think it lines up with him at a lot of places,” Ray said.

Tennessee is making the strongest push for Griffin, but several other schools are in the mix. Florida State hosted Griffin for a visit, and Alabama has shown interest in Griffin, too.

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley — Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

While this does not mean a flip will happen, USC will have to continue to keep Griffin interested in the Trojans. USC has an official visit lined up with Griffin on June 20. Despite his commitment, his upcoming visit will be crucial for USC.

Griffin has spoken in the past about loving USC, but still wanting to visit other schools. Despite taking visits and speaking to other schools, Griffin told On3 in January that he is still happy to be committed to USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans.

“The biggest things that keep me committed to USC are the great coaches, the development, the fan base, and L.A. There is not a lot to not like about L.A. The guys coaching me on my side of the ball have coached where I want to go, so that is big for me too,” Griffin said.

The USC Trojans class of 2026 is ranked No. 2 in the nation and No. 1 in the Big Ten. Griffin is USC’s top-ranked incoming recruit, and it will be crucial for the Trojans to keep up their communication with the four-star linebacker.

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