The Tennessee Vols are making waves in the recruiting scene as they aim to lure 2026 five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin away from his commitment to a prominent Big Ten program.

According to Chad Simmons of On3, Griffin is scheduled to visit Tennessee on January 25. The highly sought-after linebacker is also set to tour Florida State this month, despite being verbally committed to USC since July.

Griffin, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 200 pounds, hails from Gainesville, GA, and currently ranks as the nation’s top linebacker and Georgia’s No. 1 prospect, according to 247Sports. He’s also recognized as the No. 8 overall player in the 2026 class. Notably, Griffin attends Gainesville High School, the alma mater of former Tennessee linebacker AJ Johnson.

247Sports describes Griffin as a versatile defender with elite athleticism and adaptability. His ability to rush the passer, defend against the run, and drop back in coverage makes him a valuable prospect for both Big Ten and SEC programs. Although lean at this stage, his physical development is expected to progress, enhancing his already impressive agility, quickness, and sideline-to-sideline range.

Griffin previously visited Tennessee during their victory over Kentucky last season and returned to Knoxville for an unofficial visit in the spring. The Vols have proven their ability to flip recruits from USC before, most recently securing three-star running back Daune Morris near the end of the 2025 recruiting cycle.

While Griffin remains firm in his commitment to USC, his willingness to explore other programs signals that Tennessee, along with other top contenders like Alabama and Georgia, still has a chance to sway him before signing day.