Ohio State made a clear impression on five-star 2026 linebacker Xavier Griffin this weekend.
Locked in the whole weekend with one of the best to ever do it at Ohio State @JLaurinaitis55 !! Always love @OhioStateFB @RedElephant_FB @JoshNiblett @bamamade87 pic.twitter.com/1cYeW96S6K
— Xavier Griffin (@zay_social) June 1, 2025
Griffin visited Columbus for the first time since Ohio State's spring game on April 12 and the first time since he decommitted from USC. He was blown away by the Buckeyes' presentation for him and said the team gave him a lot to think about this summer.
"I had a great time, they are already in my top four, so they're still up there and I'm just truly still excited about them," Griffin told Eleven Warriors Sunday following his official visit.
On the visit, Griffin met with Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, who laid out a plan for how the Buckeyes would use him. Laurinaitis' pedigree and past accomplishments moved the needle with the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Griffin.
"Being able to be coached and developed by one of the best linebackers to ever come out of Ohio State and already know the Buckeye way excites me a lot," he said.
Griffin also met with Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who had Griffin's attention based on his longtime track record of running successful defenses in the NFL. As for the players, Griffin spent a large chunk of time hanging around Ohio State linebacker Riley Pettijohn.
"Coach Patricia is bringing a new defensive scheme that fits me and my versatility," Griffin said. "They're still in my top four and I’m still excited about them."
Per 247Sports' composite rankings, Griffin is considered the No. 27 prospect and No. 2 linebacker in the 2026 class. He's one of the Buckeyes' top targets at linebacker this cycle, along with Cincere Johnson and Tyler Atkinson. Last season, Griffin recorded 43 tackles and six sacks in limited action due to injury.
Griffin has already set a commitment date and plans to announce his college decision on June 29. His official visit to Ohio State was his first of four planned trips this summer, as he'll also visit Alabama, Florida State and Texas in the coming weeks. Alabama is the heavy frontrunner for Griffin, but the Buckeyes at least gave the Georgia standout plenty to think about this weekend.
