The college football recruiting landscape is heating up, and one of the hottest names right now is Xavier Griffin, the dynamic linebacker who committed to the USC Trojans earlier this year. However, the battle for Griffin’s signature is far from over. Both Tennessee and Florida State are making aggressive pushes to flip the 5-star prospect, with high-profile visits planned in the coming weeks.
Griffin, a 6’3”, 230-pound linebacker from (insert high school and state), is widely regarded as one of the most versatile defensive players in the 2025 recruiting class. Known for his elite athleticism, sideline-to-sideline speed, and high football IQ, Griffin has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Micah Parsons.
His commitment to USC was seen as a major victory for head coach Lincoln Riley, who has been working to rebuild the Trojans’ defensive reputation to match their potent offense. Griffin is expected to be a cornerstone of USC’s defensive resurgence, making him a prized recruit for any program.
The Tennessee Volunteers, fresh off a resurgence in the SEC, are making a full-court press to bring Griffin to Knoxville. Head coach Josh Heupel has reportedly emphasized the program’s defensive growth and the chance for Griffin to be a leader in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
Tennessee’s facilities, fan base, and recent success in developing NFL-caliber talent are key components of their pitch. The visit to Knoxville will include meetings with defensive coaches, campus tours, and a chance to see firsthand the Volunteer spirit that has reinvigorated the program.
Meanwhile, Florida State is making its case for Griffin with an equally compelling offer. The Seminoles have returned to national prominence, and head coach Mike Norvell is building a reputation for developing elite defensive players.
Griffin’s visit to Tallahassee will highlight the program’s rich tradition, its recent successes, and the opportunity to play in the ACC, where he could make an immediate impact. Florida State is also leveraging its history of producing NFL stars, emphasizing the developmental resources available to help Griffin reach his full potential.
Despite the mounting interest from Tennessee and Florida State, USC remains confident in its ability to keep Griffin in the fold. The Trojans’ recent recruiting successes and their move to the Big Ten in 2024 have only increased their appeal.
USC’s pitch is clear: Griffin would be part of a transformative era in Trojan football, with the chance to make an immediate impact on a national stage. Under Lincoln Riley’s guidance, Griffin could play a key role in USC’s pursuit of a national championship.
Xavier Griffin’s recruitment is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the year. With visits to Tennessee and Florida State on the horizon, the linebacker’s decision could dramatically impact the trajectory of all three programs.
For now, USC holds the edge, but in the ever-changing world of college football recruiting, nothing is guaranteed. The coming weeks will be critical in determining where one of the nation’s top defensive talents ultimately lands.
