Crimson Tide positioned well to land 5-star linebacker

Griffin, once committed to the USC Trojans, is among the nation’s elite prospects in the 2026 class as he is ranked No. 8 overall player in the country, No. 1 linebacker and top prospect in Georgia.

His combination of size, speed, and instinct at linebacker makes him a heavily coveted prospect and perfect fit for Alabama’s defensive scheme under second-year defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.

The 6-foot-3, 230 pound linebacker has shown the ability to read plays quickly and close gaps which  has drawn comparisons to some of Alabama’s recent NFL-caliber defenders.

“Griffin is a multi-faceted defender with a top-flight testing profile that should offer both on- and off-ball linebacker as he can rush the passer and stack against the run while also dropping back into coverage.

Lanky and lean at this stage, but should undergo a major physical transformation in the coming years as he’s on the younger side for the grade and equipped with larger features.

Fires out of both a two- and three-point stance in the blink of an eye and will get around obstacles with his slick agility and lateral quickness. Possess true sideline-to-sideline range and will make stops in pursuit with his gap-closing burst.

Must keep evolving and developing craft while improving play strength, but projects as a potential impact player in the Big Ten or SEC that can fit into a variety of different schemes with his athletic juice and alignment flex.” -Andrew Ivins, 247sports director of scouting

Coaches and analysts alike have praised his versatility, noting that he can excel both in coverage and as a run-stopper.

Alabama’s coaching staff has been persistent in courting Griffin, emphasizing to him the opportunity to develop under a defensive tradition known for producing elite linebackers.

The program’s history of NFL success at the position, along with its competitive environment, has proven attractive to Griffin, who has also visited other top programs but seems increasingly aligned with the Tide.

With the commitment window just days away, his pledge would add a significant boost to Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class, reinforcing the Tide’s defensive front with a player who could contribute early in his college career.

Griffin’s recruitment story also highlights the evolving nature of linebacker play in college football, where speed and coverage ability have become just as critical as tackling and run defense.

At Alabama, Griffin’s skill set fits seamlessly into a defense that values flexibility and aggressiveness.

Griffin holds offers from a host of schools such as Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Penn State, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee and many others.

While nearly 40 schools have shared their case for Griffin, Alabama’s combination of player development and a winning culture remains a compelling option.

Throughout his three year high school career, Griffin has recorded 97 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 21 sacks and three forced fumbles.