Connect with us

Published

on

The 2023 NHL offseason might seem a little compressed, with the draft taking place on June 28 and 29 this year, but the start of free agency is back to its usual date of July 1 (after a late start in 2022).

Every NHL general manager is hoping to land game-changing players, via either free agent deals or trades.

Here is our continuously updated tracker, featuring a list of every player signed, along with analysis of the biggest deals and buzz on what could happen next.

Note that the newest deals are on top, denoted by date.

More: Grades
Free agent rankings
Team-by-team guides
Draft recap: Every pick | Winners, losers


July 27

The Ottawa Senators signed winger Vladimir Tarasenko to a one-year deal worth $5 million.


July 24

The Hurricanes signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year, $1.675 million contract, bringing him back to Carolina for the second time in three seasons.


July 19

After landing Gabriel Vilardi as part of the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade, the Jets have inked the RFA forward to a two-year, $6.88 million contract.

The Golden Knights continue to take care of their own, signing RFA forward Brett Howden to a two-year, $3.8 million pact.

Veteran free agent forward Tomas Nosek has agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal with the Devils.


July 17

After trading for restricted free agent forward Ross Colton earlier this offseason, the Avalanche have signed him to a four-year, $16 million deal.

The Islanders bring back restricted free agent forward Oliver Wahlstrom by way of a one-year, $874,100 deal.

Restricted free agent forward Morgan Barron is sticking with the Jets by way of a two-year, $2.7 million contract.

The Bruins make it official with one-year, $775,000 contracts for a trio of restricted free agents: defensemen Reilly Walsh and Alec Regula, as well as goaltender Michael DiPietro.

The Sabres have reached an agreement with restricted free agent forward Linus Weissbach for one year, $775,000.


July 16

Restricted free agent forward Brandon Duhaime is back with the Wild, agreeing to a one-year, $1.1 million deal.

The Blues and restricted free agent Alexey Toropchenko have agreed to a two-year, $2.5 million contract.


July 15

Restricted free agent Tanner Jeannot will continue his time with Tampa Bay, inking a two-year, $5.33 million deal.

23-year-old restricted free agent defenseman Ty Smith has agreed to a one-year, $874,100 contract with the Penguins.


July 14

Free agent forward Zach Sanford has agreed to terms on a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Coyotes.

24-year-old restricted free agent forward Brett Murray has inked a one-year, $775,000 deal with the Sabres.

The Penguins have signed restricted free agent forward Jonathan Gruden to a one-year, $775,000 pact.

Chris Tierney — a 29-year-old forward — will be with the Devils organization in 2023-24, thanks to a one-year, $775,000 contract.


July 13

A first-round pick in the 2018 draft, Ty Dellandrea has inked a one-year, $900,000 contract extension to stick with the Stars.

The Canadiens were busy on Thursday, inking RFA winger Lucas Candotta to a two-year, $1.55 million deal, and UFA defenseman Nicolas Beaudin to a one-year, $775,000 pact.

23-year-old unrestricted free agent defenseman Ty Emberson has signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Rangers.


July 12

After skating for the Devils in 2022-23, forward Jesper Boqvist is headed to Boston via a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Bruins.

29-year-old forward Oskar Sundqvist is back with the Blues, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 contract.


July 11

The Rangers have come to terms with RFA defenseman K’Andre Miller on a two-year, $7.74 million deal.

Veteran forward Denis Gurianov has landed with Nashville, signing a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Predators.

After being traded to Montreal from Colorado prior to the draft, RFA forward Alex Newhook has agreed to a four-year, $11.6 million deal with the Habs.


July 10

After being bought out by the Red Wings this summer, Filip Zadina has agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Sharks.

The Flyers have inked two restricted free agents to new deals: defenseman Cam York (two years, $3.2 million) and forward Noah Cates (two years, $5.25 million).

The Canadiens and restricted free agent forward Mitchell Stephens have agreed to a one-year contract.


July 9

Seattle will remain in the Cale Fleury business, as the two sides agreed to a two-year, $1.6 million contract.

22-year-old forward Nils Hoglander will stick with the Canucks, by way of a two-year, $2.2 million deal.


July 8

Restricted free agent forward Kole Lind is back with the Kraken by way of a one-year, $775,000 contract.

The Kings and restricted free agent forward Akil Thomas have agreed to a one-year, $775,000 deal.


July 7

The Penguins agree to terms with forwards Andreas Johnsson (one year, $800,000) and Vinnie Hinostroza (one year, $775,000).

After signing Anze Kopitar to a two-year extension on Thursday, the Kings ink deals with three RFAs on Friday: forwards Tyler Madden and Samuel Fagemo (one year, $775,000) and defenseman Tobias Bjornfot (two years, $1.55 million).

Seattle makes a pair of veteran signings: defenseman Will Borgen (two years, $5.4 million) and forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (one year, $775,000).


July 6

Forward Zack MacEwen will continue his NHL career with the Senators, agreeing to terms on a three-year, $2.325 million contract.

The Flames make it official with restricted free-agent forwards Mathias Emilio Pettersen and Ben Jones on one-year, $775,000 pacts.


July 5

Restricted free-agent defenseman Dylan Coghlan has inked a one-year, $850,000 deal with the Hurricanes.

24-year-old RFA blueliner Dylan Samberg has signed on for two years, $2.8 million with the Jets.

Defenseman Chase Priskie is back with the organization that drafted him in 2016, inking a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Capitals.

The Bruins made it official with a pair of restricted free agents: forward Jakub Lauko (two years, $1.57 million) and goaltender Kyle Keyser (one year, $775,000).

The Islanders announced deals with three forwards: Julien Gauthier for two years (and $1.575 million), and one-year, $775,000 pacts for Karson Kuhlman and Brian Pinho.

The Flyers make a pair of deals with restricted free agent defensemen: Victor Mete (one year, $775,000) and Ronnie Attard (two years, $1.7 million).

25-year-old, RFA blueliner Kale Clague has inked a new deal with the Sabres, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 pact.


July 4

Restricted free agent blueliner Martin Fehervary and the Capitals have extended their relationship with a three-year, $8.03 million deal.

Swedish defenseman Robert Hagg will continue his NHL career with the Ducks, as the two sides have inked a one-year pact.

The Senators will continue to employ veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic, inking the 32-year-old blueliner to a two-year, $2.2 million contract.


July 3

Veteran defenseman Will Butcher has selected the Penguins for his next contract, agreeing to a one-year, $775,000 pact.

26-year-old forward Nolan Stevens has elected to sign with the Red Wings, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 deal.

Restricted free agent forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard has signed a two-year, $2.2 million deal with the Canadiens.

Swedish forward Axel Jonsson-Fjallby has agreed to terms with the Jets on a two-year, $1.55 million contract.

26-year-old forward Dylan Gambrell has inked a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Maple Leafs.

After two seasons with the Red Wings and one with the Panthers, veteran defenseman Marc Staal is coming back to the Metro Division, inking a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Flyers.


July 2

Finally, there will be another player skating around in a Maple Leafs jersey with “DOMI” on the back, as Max Domi has inked a one-year, $3 million pact with Toronto.

Tyler Bertuzzi is staying in the Atlantic Division! After starting his career with the Red Wings, then playing for the Bruins to close out 2022-23, he has signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Maple Leafs. Grade for the deal.

After being bought out by the Red Wings, Kailer Yamamoto has inked a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Kraken.

The Lightning continue to build out their depth, signing veteran defenseman Calvin de Haan to a one-year, $775,000 contract.

25-year-old defenseman Ben Gleason has chosen the Oilers for his next contract, signing a two-year, $1.55 million deal.

The Capitals make a trio of signings: defenseman Dylan McIlrath (two years, $1.55 million), goaltender Hunter Shepard (two years, $1.55 million) and forward Matthew Phillips (one year, $775,000).

Veteran defenseman Jack Johnson‘s career will continue with the Avalanche, as the two sides agreed on a one-year pact.

The Flames make it a three-for-one Sunday special, inking defenseman Colton Poolman (one year, $775,000) as well as forwards Martin Pospisil (one year, $775,000) and Dryden Hunt (two years, $1.55 million).

After a one-season sojourn with the Avalanche, veteran forward Evan Rodrigues has signed with the Panthers on a four-year, $12 million deal.

Versatile forward Christian Fischer joins the parade of talent headed to Detroit this offseason, inking a one-year, $1.25 million deal with the Red Wings.


July 1

After finishing the 2022-23 season with the Bruins, veteran forward Garnet Hathaway has inked a two-year, $4.78 million deal with the Flyers.

The Red Wings have added defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere on a one-year, $4.125 million deal.

Forward Alexander Kerfoot is headed to Arizona on a two-year, $7 million contract.

Fabian Zetterlund, a 23-year-old forward, is returning to the Sharks by way of a two-year, $2.9 million contract.

The Maple Leafs and veteran offensive defenseman John Klingberg have agreed to a one-year, $4.15 million deal.

Incoming Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette will have at least one familiar face joining him from the Capitals, as New York has signed defenseman Erik Gustafsson to a one-year, $825,000 contract.

Another former Penguin is headed to Seattle, as the Kraken have signed defenseman Brian Dumoulin to a two-year, $6.3 million deal.

J.T. Compher has moved to the 313 area code, inking a five-year, $25.5 million deal with the Red Wings.

Veteran goaltender David Rittich is off the market, signing a one-year, $875,000 contract with the Kings.

The Penguins add veteran penalty-killing ace Lars Eller via a two-year, $4.9 million contract.

Among other free agent signings Saturday, the Avalanche reached a two-year, $7.7 million extension with RFA defenseman Bowen Byram.

Quiet for much of the day, the Islanders announce that they have reached a seven-year, $21 million deal with forward Pierre Engvall, a seven-year, $24.5 million deal with defenseman Scott Mayfield, a four-year, $11 million deal with goaltender Semyon Varlamov and an eight-year, $66 million extension for goaltender Ilya Sorokin.

After playing 402 games for the Devils, Miles Wood will continue his NHL career with the Avalanche, agreeing to a six-year, $15 million contract.

Veteran defenseman Dmitry Kulikov is heading back to the Panthers by way of a one-year, $1 million deal.

After playing a big role for the Devils in their return to the playoffs in 2022-23, defenseman Ryan Graves has agreed to terms with the Penguins on a six-year, $27 million deal.

Veteran forward Alex Galchenyuk is rejoining the Coyotes by way of a one-year, $775,000 contract.

After much deliberation, the Penguins have elected to bring back netminder Tristan Jarry on a five-year, $26.875 million contract. In addition, they signed Alex Nedeljkovic to a one-year, $1.5 million pact.

The Devils add another goaltender to their crew, inking Erik Kallgren to a one-year, $775,000 deal.

Veteran forward Noel Acciari has agreed to join the Penguins via a three-year, $6 million deal.

Twenty-nine-year-old netminder Anthony Stolarz has agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Panthers.

The Ducks have added some size and leadership to their dressing room, inking former Lightning forward Alex Killorn by way of a four-year, $25 million contract.

The Nick Bjugstad tour is headed back to the desert, as the veteran forward has agreed to a two-year, $4.2 million deal with the Coyotes.

The Jets bring back a familiar face, signing goaltender Laurent Brossoit to a one-year, $1.75 million deal. Winnipeg also inked forward Vladislav Namestnikov to a two-year, $4 million contract.

After a busy week of trades and drafting a new franchise player in Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks have added veteran forward Ryan Donato by way of a two-year, $4 million deal.

After making some high-profile additions earlier Saturday, the Predators re-signed forward Cody Glass via a two-year, $5 million extension.

The Lightning make another depth forward signing, adding faceoff ace Luke Glendening to a two-year, $1.6 million deal.

Connecticut native Nick Bonino will join fellow Constitution Stater Jonathan Quick on the Rangers, inking a one-year, $800,000 contract.

Veteran blueliner Troy Stecher has agreed to terms with the Coyotes on a one-year, $1.1 million pact.

The Hurricanes’ free agent spree continues, with Carolina signing forward Michael Bunting to a three-year, $13.5 million contract. Grade for the deal.

Veteran forward Jason Zucker will be skating his home games on the campus of Arizona State University, agreeing to a one-year, $5.3 million deal with the Coyotes.

The Stars add young forward Sam Steel to the mix, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $850,000 pact.

A two-year, $1.6 million deal has been signed between the Lightning and forward Josh Archibald.

California native Matt Nieto is heading to the Penguins by way of a two-year, $1.8 million pact.

Following a buyout of his contract by the Predators this week, Matt Duchene has inked a one-year, $3 million deal with the Stars. Grade for the deal.

The Red Wings continue to add, reaching an agreement on a one-year, $2 million contract with forward Daniel Sprong.

The Sabres have reached agreements with netminders Devin Cooley and Dustin Tokarski on one-year, $775,000 deals.

Veteran forward Patrick Brown has signed with the Bruins, agreeing to terms on a two-year, $1.6 million contract.

After finishing the 2022-23 season with the Rangers, Niko Mikkola will head to the Panthers by way of a three-year, $7.5 million deal.

The Lightning have brought a two-time Cup champion into their mix, inking forward Conor Sheary to a three-year, $6 million deal.

Grigori Denisenko is sticking with the Panthers, inking a two-year, $1.55 million pact.

Twenty-five-year-old forward Givani Smith will switch from Florida to Northern California, signing a two-year, $1.6 million contract with the Sharks.

The Kings have extended their relationship with Jaret Anderson-Dolan, signing him to a one-year, $775,000 deal.

Veteran blueliner Kevin Shattenkirk is headed to Boston, signing a one-year deal with the Bruins.

Trevor Lewis is returning to the Kings, as the veteran forward has signed a one-year, $775,000 contract. The Kings also signed defenseman Andreas Englund to a two-year, $2 million deal.

After missing much of the 2022-23 season because of Achilles tendon injuries, veteran forward Max Pacioretty has inked a one-year, $2 million deal with the Capitals, with another $2 million available in bonuses.

Defenseman Carson Soucy is heading from Seattle to Vancouver by way of a three-year, $9.75 million contract.

The Flyers have put themselves in the Ryan Poehling business, adding the forward via a one-year, $1.4 million deal.

Veteran forward Craig Smith is headed to the Stars, inking a one-year, $1 million contract.

Defenseman Mike Reilly will celebrate his 30th birthday on July 13, and he’ll do so as a member of the Panthers after signing a one-year, $1 million deal.

Following a post-trade glow-up with the Bruins to close out the 2022-23 season, Dmitry Orlov has signed a two-year, $15.5 million deal with the Hurricanes. Grade for the deal.

Defenseman Justin Holl has left Toronto — but isn’t headed too far away, inking a three-year, $10.2 million deal with the Red Wings.

The Canucks add a pair of veterans via one-year deals: Defenseman Ian Cole ($3 million) and forward Teddy Blueger ($1.9 million).

After helping guide the Panthers to the playoffs in 2022-23, veteran goalie Alex Lyon is headed to the Red Wings by way of a two-year, $1.8 million contract.

Milan Lucic is coming back to Boston as the bruising, veteran winger has inked a one-year, $1 million deal.

Defenseman Kyle Burroughs is heading from Vancouver to San Jose by way of a three-year, $3.3 million pact.

The Predators’ signing spree continues, as they have agreed with veteran forward Gustav Nyquist on a two-year, $6.37 million contract.

Defenseman Connor Clifton is leaving the Bruins but sticking in the Atlantic Division, signing a three-year, $10 million deal with the Sabres.

Etobicoke, Ontario native Connor Brown is heading to Edmonton, inking a one-year, $4 million contract with the Oilers.

After spending time in the Pacific Northwest with the Kraken, Morgan Geekie is headed to the Northeast, signing a two-year, $4 million deal with the Bruins.

The Red Wings have selected a veteran netminder off the goalie carousel, inking a one-year, $1.5 million deal with James Reimer.

Bottom-six forward Tyler Pitlick is joining the Rangers, inking a one-year, $785,000 deal.

One of the greatest beards in hockey history is relocating from South Florida to Southern California, as Radko Gudas has agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal with the Ducks.

The Sabres get on the board with a pair of one-year contracts: forward Tyson Jost ($2 million) and defenseman Erik Johnson ($3.25 million).

One of the big names has hopped off the goaltender carousel: Joonas Korpisalo has agreed to a five-year, $20 million deal with the Senators. Grade for the deal.

Frederik Andersen has elected to head back to Carolina, inking a two-year, $6.8 million deal with the Hurricanes.

The Kings add to their goaltending options, inking a one-year, $1 million deal with Cam Talbot.

Connecticut native Jonathan Quick is coming (close to) home, as the veteran goalie has reached a one-year, $825,000 pact with the Rangers.

After being traded to the Sharks prior to the draft, goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood has inked a two-year, $4.7 million deal.

After having his contract bought out by the Jets this week, veteran forward Blake Wheeler has signed a one-year, $800,000 deal with the Rangers (with $300,000 available in potential bonuses).

Twenty-five-year-old forward Lane Pederson has come to terms with the Oilers on a two-year, $1.55 million contract.

After the Flyers failed to move him ahead of the trade deadline, veteran James van Riemsdyk officially has a new team, signing a one-year, $1 million deal with the Bruins.

After finishing the 2022-23 season with the Maple Leafs, center Ryan O’Reilly is headed to the Predators via a four-year, $18 million contract. Grade for the deal.

After not issuing qualifying offers for RFAs Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian, the Devils re-signed both players: one year, $1.4 million for McLeod, two years, $2.7 million for Bastian.

Former Jets forward Kevin Stenlund has landed with the Panthers by way of a one-year, $1 million contract.

Seeking to add some size to their lineup, the Maple Leafs have signed forward Ryan Reaves to a three-year, $4.05 million deal.

The Predators have reached an agreement with veteran defenseman Luke Schenn on a three-year, $8.25 million deal.

Goaltender Antti Raanta is back with the Hurricanes via a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

After having his contract bought out by the Canucks earlier this week, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Panthers.

Continue Reading

Sports

Suit accusing BYU QB Retzlaff of rape dismissed

Published

on

By

Suit accusing BYU QB Retzlaff of rape dismissed

A civil lawsuit accusing BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff of rape has been dismissed, according to court records.

The parties jointly agreed to dismiss with prejudice, ending the case which was filed last month. None of the parties was immediately available for comment.

Retzlaff now plans to transfer from BYU as he faces a possible seven-game suspension for violating the school’s honor code by admitting to premarital sex during the legal proceedings, sources told ESPN. He has begun informing staff and teammates of his intention to leave, sources said.

Retzlaff had been working out with the squad and participating in summer workouts and practices. The team is on break until July 7.

The BYU staff has been ramping up the preparation of the three backup quarterbacks — McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet and Bear Bachmeier — in anticipation that Retzlaff might not be available.

The woman alleged Retzlaff raped, strangled and bit her in November 2023. In a response to that lawsuit filed Friday, a lawyer representing Retzlaff denied those allegations but said Retzlaff had consensual sex with the woman.

The response indicated Retzlaff and the woman traded lighthearted text messages for months after the encounter and characterized the lawsuit as an extortion attempt based on the idea that Retzlaff developed into an NFL prospect roughly a year later.

The lawsuit described the encounter much differently.

Both the complaint and the response agree that Retzlaff and the woman connected through social media, which led to her visiting Retzlaff’s apartment to play video games on or around Nov. 22, 2023. The woman arrived with a friend, and friends and teammates of Retzlaff also were present.

Later that evening, the woman’s friend left, after which Retzlaff and the woman started watching a movie and began to kiss, the lawsuit states. While “Retzlaff began escalating the situation,” the suit says, “Jane Doe A.G. tried to de-escalate the situation and attempted to slow things down, trying to pull away, and saying ‘wait.’ She did not want to do anything sexual with him.”

The lawsuit says the woman told Retzlaff “no” and “wait, stop,” but he continued to force himself on her. After she tried to get up out of the bed, the lawsuit alleges, in graphic detail, that Retzlaff put his hands around her neck and proceeded to rape her.

A few days later, the woman visited a hospital, where a rape kit was performed and pictures of her injuries were taken. The lawsuit says she was connected with Provo, Utah, police but did not initially share Retzlaff’s name.

No criminal charges have been filed against Retzlaff.

After the lawsuit was filed, BYU issued a statement, saying: “The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment.”

Retzlaff is not the first high-profile BYU athlete who faced a lengthy suspension for an honor code violation related to premarital sex. In 2011, basketball player Brandon Davies was dismissed from the team — which at the time was 27-2 and ranked No. 3 in the country — and suspended from school. He was reinstated that fall. In 1999, running back Reno Mahe was suspended from school and forced to leave the football team. He transferred to a junior college and later reenrolled at BYU.

Retzlaff, who has graduated from BYU, is expected to enter his name in the transfer portal in the coming days. He started 13 games for the Cougars in 2024, his first year as the starter, leading the team to an 11-2 record. He passed for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.

Continue Reading

Sports

Pac-12 welcomes Texas St. ahead of ’26 relaunch

Published

on

By

Pac-12 welcomes Texas St. ahead of '26 relaunch

Texas State has officially joined the Pac-12, the conference announced Monday, becoming the league’s ninth member ahead of its relaunch in 2026.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Texas State as a foundational member of the new Pac-12,” commissioner Teresa Gould said in a statement. “It is a new day in college sports and the most opportune time to launch a new league that is positioned to succeed in today’s landscape with student-athletes in mind.”

Texas State’s board of regents voted to authorize a $5 million buyout to the Sun Belt Conference early Monday. The Bobcats will remain in the Sun Belt through the 2025-26 season before joining the Pac-12 in all sports for the 2026-27 school year.

The Pac-12 needed to reach eight football-playing schools to meet the NCAA minimum for an FBS conference prior to the 2026 season.

The conference’s board of directors, which includes representatives from all current and future members, voted unanimously to admit Texas State following the university’s formal application. Texas State joins Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State and Washington State as members of the rebuilt league.

Texas State president Kelly Damphousse called the move “a historic moment” for the university.

“Joining the Pac-12 is more than an athletic move — it is a declaration of our rising national profile, our commitment to excellence, and our readiness to compete and collaborate with some of the most respected institutions in the country,” Damphousse said.

Athletic director Don Coryell echoed that sentiment, calling the opportunity “a new era” for Texas State, which has been in the Sun Belt since 2013 after making its FBS debut with one season in the WAC in 2012.

“This historic moment belongs to our coaches, staff, student-athletes, fans, alumni and students,” Coryell said. “As the Pac-12’s flagship school in Texas, we proudly embrace the opportunity and responsibility that comes with it.”

The long-awaited announcement comes on the heels of the Pac-12’s announcement last week that it had finalized a five-year agreement with CBS for a portion of the conference’s football and men’s basketball media rights, including both sports’ championship game. Additional media partners are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Texas State is located in San Marcos, which is only about 35 miles south of the University of Texas in Austin. Texas State has more than 40,000 students, with one of the 25 largest undergraduate enrollments among public universities in the U.S.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Continue Reading

Sports

Alabama lands top 3 OLB Griffin for 2026 class

Published

on

By

Alabama lands top 3 OLB Griffin for 2026 class

Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class landed another significant late-June recruiting boost Saturday when four-star defender Xavier Griffin, ESPN’s No. 3 outside linebacker, announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide over Florida State, Ohio State and Texas.

Griffin, a versatile, 6-foot-4, 205-pound prospect from Gainesville, Georgia, is the No. 30 overall recruit in the 2026 ESPN 300. A former longtime USC commit, Griffin took official visits with each of his finalists in June. He now stands as the top-ranked prospect among 14 commits in Alabama’s incoming class, joining days after the program secured top 300 pledges from running back Ezavier Crowell (No. 31 overall) and tight end Mack Sutter (No. 138) on Thursday night.

Griffin told ESPN that the Crimson Tide’s pedigree and vision laid out by Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer and outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson were driving factors in his decision.

“Growing up, just seeing them, all the draft picks and stuff that they’ve had — all the guys they’ve put in the league — it speaks for itself,” Griffin said. “They have history and they’re really clear about what they’re trying to build with this new staff.”

A physical defender capable of dropping into coverage, Griffin has cemented his status as one the nation’s top linebackers at Gainesville (Georgia) High School, where he’s recorded 97 total tackles and 21 sacks across his sophomore and junior seasons.

He initially committed to USC last July and remained one of the Trojans’ top prospects over next 10 months before Griffin pulled his pledge from the program on May 14. Sources told ESPN at the time that Griffin’s decommitment stemmed from his intention to schedule official visits with programs this spring, bucking against USC’s policy against committed players taking official trips to other campuses.

Upon reopening his recruitment, Griffin locked in official visits with Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State and Texas for this month, closing with a trip to the Crimson Tide from June 20-22. Despite his lengthy USC pledge, Griffin told ESPN that no program recruited him more actively than Alabama across the past two years, led by Robinson, the program’s second-year assistant.

“He’s been one of the most consistent with me throughout my whole process,” Griffin said. “He’s just a really, really good guy.”

The highest-ranked of seven ESPN 300 pledges bound for Alabama in 2026, Griffin now leads an increasingly talented Crimson Tide defensive class forming in the current cycle.

Alongside Griffin, Alabama holds commitments from top-10 cornerbacks Jorden Edmonds (No. 38 overall) and Zyan Gibson (No. 65) in 2026. Defensive end Jamarion Matthews, Griffin’s teammate at Gainesville High School and ESPN’s No. 92 overall recruit, has been pledged to the Crimson Tide since February, and Alabama’s latest defensive class could get even deeper over the next month as priority targets including top-60 prospects Jireh Edwards, Anthony Jones and Nolan Wilson approach the final stages of their recruiting processes.

Continue Reading

Trending