2026 UNC 4-star EDGE commit Zavion Griffin-Haynes visiting Tennessee this weekend

Tennessee is putting together a big visit weekend as it gears up to host Kentucky inside Neyland Stadium on Saturday night.

Rolesville (N.C.) four-star EDGE Zavion Griffin-Haynes is the latest name to be added to the list. The junior, currently committed to North Carolina, told On3’s Chad Simmons on Tuesday evening that he’ll be on Rocky Top.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pounder is coming off a visit to Georgia earlier this month and will now get a look at the Volunteers for the first time. He’s also eyeing game visits to the likes of Michigan, Ohio State and Florida State next month, along with a return trip to UNC.

One of the top rising defensive prospects in his class, Griffin-Haynes committed to the local Tar Heels on Sept. 8. The likes of NC State and South Carolina are other close-to-home schools that have been in the mix for his pledge. Griffin-Haynes continues to check out other campuses, though he’s kickstarted UNC’s 2026 class in a big way.

“I wasn’t planning to commit this weekend, I just had that feeling,” Griffin-Haynes told On3 upon making his decision. “I felt the love. Coach Ted Mo, coach Mack and coach Lindsey have all been recruiting me the hardest since they offered me.

“They made me feel like a priority and they have a relationship with my family. They always are making sure me and my family are good. Those relationships, North Carolina being in my state and this felt like the best decision.”

Griffin-Haynes is the No. 132 overall prospect and No. 11 EDGE in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 9 junior in North Carolina.

The blue-chipper is one of three 2026 commits in the mix for Mack Brown and Co. Charlotte Providence Day three-star quarterback Zaid Lott pledged back in June, while Farrell (Pa.) First Academy wide receiver Danny Odem committed one day after Griffin-Haynes.

Tennessee has already dipped into the Tar Heel State in a big way, as it landed a commitment from Greensboro Grimsley five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon on Aug. 3. The junior signal-caller is the No. 6 overall prospect in the cycle and is one of four commits for Josh Heupel and the Vols in 2026.