Xavier Griffin Has Officially Shut Down His Recruitment

On Thursday night, Xavier Griffin, the No. 1 linebacker and highest ranked commitment in the class of 2026, announced via Instagram that he has shut down his recruitment.

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Griffin committed to Alabama on June 29, choosing the Crimson Tide over Florida State, Texas, and Ohio State.

Bama247 had the opportunity to gain more insight on Griffin's future during Score Atlanta high school football media days on Wednesday. "I have shut it down," said Griffin. "I was basically already shut down before I committed because I was down to those few schools." According to Brett Greenberg, Griffin further explained his decision to shut down his recruitment.

"Really just getting to focus on my season, focusing on the class that we are building, focusing on getting ready to prep myself for when I get there," said Griffin. "Not having to worry about trying to go somewhere else or trying to do different things before signing day. I am ready. I know where I want to be."

Alabama has built an outstanding 2026 recruitment class, and with Griffin further solidifying his commitment, this class has risen to No. 4 in the country with 20 total commitments. The Crimson Tide will not only be adding another elite linebacker in Griffin, but they will also gain a young man focused on winning a national championship.

"It's going to be a good class with the ones we have committed and a couple that I know are going to be committed, it's going to be a great class," said Griffin. "We are going to win championships, for sure," Griffin told Bama247 after his announcement last month.

Additionally, Griffin is the fifth commit to shut down his recruitment, following his high school teammate, edge Jamarion Matthews, who has been committed to Alabama since February of this year. Cornerback Ryan Gibson, defensive lineman Kamhariyan Johnson, and interior offensive lineman Chris Booker have all publicly shut down their recruitment as well.

Want to know more about Xavier Griffin? Read these articles!

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