USC Commit Xavier Griffin Sparks Frenzy as Top College Coaches Descend on Georgia
Tennessee’s coaching staff, including head coach Josh Heupel, defensive coordinator Tim Banks, and senior defensive analyst Levorn Harbin, traveled to Gainesville, Georgia, on Friday to meet with Xavier Griffin, a five-star linebacker committed to USC. Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann also visited Griffin the same day. Griffin shared photos on his social media account Saturday, posing with both Tennessee and Georgia coaches. The Vols’ staff also attended Griffin’s basketball game Friday night against Lanier High School.
Tennessee had hoped to host Griffin on Saturday for their second junior day of the year, but he informed GoVols247 that a rescheduled basketball game prevented him from visiting Knoxville. Griffin, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound linebacker, has been committed to USC for nearly six months but has shown interest in Tennessee, having attended their home game against Kentucky on November 2. He praised the game-day atmosphere, particularly the stadium noise and Tennessee’s “Dark Mode” alternate uniforms.
Ranked as the No. 24 overall player and No. 2 linebacker in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, Griffin is also the No. 3 junior prospect in Georgia. According to 247Sports, he holds a four-star rating and is ranked as the No. 8 overall player and No. 1 linebacker in his class. Griffin has visited Tennessee multiple times, including during the spring and summer, and expressed a desire to support his high school teammate, Tennessee linebacker Jeremiah Telander, during his November visit.
Andrew Ivins, 247Sports’ director of scouting, describes Griffin as a versatile defender with exceptional athleticism, capable of playing both on- and off-ball linebacker. Ivins highlights Griffin’s agility, lateral quickness, and sideline-to-sideline range, noting his potential to develop into an impact player in the SEC or Big Ten. Griffin’s lean frame is expected to undergo significant physical transformation as he matures, further enhancing his ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and drop into coverage.
In other college sports news, Tennessee’s upcoming match against Auburn showcases one of the nation’s top defenses facing a high-powered offense. The game’s outcome may hinge on Johni Broome’s health and the offensive contributions of Chaz Lanier or his supporting cast. Meanwhile, Houston’s visit to Kansas features a clash between two elite defenses, with Houston ranked first and Kansas fourth in defensive efficiency by KenPom.com.
Houston’s aggressive defensive system, which emphasizes forcing turnovers and contesting interior shots, could leave them vulnerable to open three-pointers if opponents move the ball effectively. Rebounding will also be a critical factor in this matchup.
On Sunday, Maryland and Indiana faced off in a game where similarly constructed rosters highlighted the potential for guards to make the difference. Both programs have relied heavily on their backcourt production this season, making guard play a key determinant in the outcome.
