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UNC Football Recruiting: Coveted Defender Commits to Tar Heels

The UNC football recruiters are off to a promising start in the 2026 cycle.

Matt Giles

UNC football head coach Mack Brown
UNC football head coach Mack Brown / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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On Sunday evening, one day after attending the 2024 Tar Heels' home-opening 38-20 win over Charlotte in Kenan Stadium, Rolesville High School (N.C.) junior Zavion Griffin-Haynes announced his commitment to UNC football head coach Mack Brown and his staff.

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Griffin is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound four-star who ranks No. 114 overall, No. 11 among edge rushers, and No. 9 in North Carolina on the 247Sports 2026 Composite. The Florida native chose the Tar Heels, who entered his recruitment with an offer roughly four months ago, over offers from Ohio State, Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee, Miami, Michigan State, NC State, Duke, Virginia Tech, and more than a dozen others.

He advertised his decision via the following posted graphic and caption on social media:

Zavion Griffin-Haynes attended NC State's home win over Western Carolina in Week 1 of the 2024 college football season. That visit, of course, did not yield a recruiting victory for the Wolfpack.

UNC football now boasts two early 2026 pledges and ranks No. 21 overall in the cycle, No. 4 among ACC schools.

The program's first 2026 prize popped up in late June when Providence Day School (N.C.) three-star quarterback Zaid Lott, No. 519 overall and No. 42 among signal callers in the class, committed to Mack Brown and the Tar Heels.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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