LSU offers 4-star 2026 linebacker from Gainesville, Georgia

Traveling to Gainesville, Georgia, Brian Kelly and his recruiting staff extended an offer to a four-star linebacker from the 2026 recruiting class. The Tigers will need to hold off Georgia in order to land him.

Xavier Griffin, a four-star linebacker from Gainesville, Georgia, is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound player who plays for Gainesville High School. In the third round of the 6A playoffs, the Gainesville Red Elephants fell to Woodward Academy, ending their undefeated season at 12-1.

LSU offers 4-star 2026 4-star Georgia LB Xavier Griffin

Georgia is currently a 33% favorite to land him, according to On3, and there are Crystal Ball estimates for the state.

A freshman CB impresses and more takeaways on LSU football’s new defense

An early enrollee emerging at cornerback. A converted offensive lineman on the first-team defense. A freshman safety rising up the depth chart.

All of this was visible during the 20-minute open portion of LSU football’s practice Thursday morning. The Tigers usually spend that time going through individual drills, but they included a non-tackling full-team period that showed a complete defense for the first time since March 23.

Here are the notable takeaways, plus comments from defensive coordinator Blake Baker.