North Carolina's Griffin-Haynes brothers are a dynamic duo set to visit Texas

The Texas Longhorns are set to host one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the 2026 class when Zavion Griffin-Haynes, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound edge rusher from Rolesville (N.C.), visits Austin the weekend of March 22. Originally from Jacksonville, Fla., Zavion and his family made the move to North Carolina, where he has quickly established himself as one of the nation’s top pass rushers.

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Ranked as the No. 28 edge in the nation, No. 14 player in North Carolina, and No. 231 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking, Zavion has earned a 90.32 rating and holds an impressive list of offers, including North Carolina, Ohio State, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee, South Carolina, LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama, Miami, Penn State, and Notre Dame.

Texas officially entered the mix two days ago, extending an offer through new edge coach LaAllan Clark. However, this wasn’t the start of their relationship—Clark had already been recruiting Zavion while coaching at Ohio State last year, meaning they’ve built a foundation of trust and familiarity well before the Texas offer came.

Zavion wasted no time including the Longhorns in his top 11 minutes after the offer.

He will be making the trip to Texas with his 7-on-7 team, California Power, and a key part of the visit will be ensuring his mother, Latara Griffin, gets an opportunity to speak with the Texas coaching staff.

“That is the plan as of now. Unless something changes, we’ll make arrangements to come solo,” Griffin said.

Spring Visit Schedule

The Griffin-Haynes brothers have a busy spring ahead, with multiple visits locked in and more still being scheduled.

• North Carolina State – March 7
• North Carolina – March 8
• LSU – March 15
• Texas – March 22
• Georgia – March 29
• Notre Dame – April (Exact date TBD)
• Florida State – April 8

Additionally, they are in the process of scheduling visits to Florida, Ohio State, and Alabama, but no dates have been set yet.

Official Visit Schedule (Subject to Change)

Outside of their spring visits, they have already set up official visits with several programs:

• North Carolina State – May 30
• Georgia – June 6
• Florida – June 13
• Notre Dame – June 18-19
• Florida State – June 20

However, their official visit schedule could change depending on how spring visits go and which schools continue to make strong impressions.

A Long, Athletic, and Versatile Edge Rusher

At 6-foot-6,and 220 pounds, Zavion is long, athletic, and instinctive. His tape shows a high level of awareness, peeling off blocks to take away running backs in the flats on swing routes, quickly diagnosing plays, and using his length and speed to chase down ball carriers from behind.

He also shows great ability in taking on blocks, maintaining leverage, and using his quickness to disengage and get to the football.

Beyond football, Zavion is a standout basketball player, and it’s clear that his movement on the court translates directly to his play on the field. His fluidity, footwork, and ability to change direction all show up in how he rushes the passer and moves in space. He also runs track and competes in the long jump with a 17-9.25 mark.

Meet Jayden Griffin-Haynes: A Rising Edge Threat

While Zavion is grabbing headlines, his older brother, Jayden Griffin-Haynes, is also making waves on the recruiting trail.

Like his brother he competes on the track and basketball court, but football is the main sport both as their mom said: “We are keeping the main thing the main thing and that’s football”

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound outside linebacker/edge switched to defense this past season, and it didn’t take long for his explosiveness, athleticism, and physicality to stand out. His background as a receiver shows in his fluidity, ability to high-point the football, and elite change of direction, allowing him to stop on a dime and adjust mid-play.

Jayden also brings power and violence to his game. He uses his hands well to defeat blockers, showing the same quickness and precision he once used to get off press coverage as a receiver. But he’s not just a finesse player—when he arrives at the ball, he delivers bone-jarring hits that knock chin straps loose.

As a pass rusher, Jayden’s offensive background is on full display. He uses a variety of hand techniques, bend, and movement skills to shed blocks and get to the quarterback, making him a dangerous defensive weapon with a natural feel for timing and angles.

In his first full season playing defense, Jayden posted:

• 107 tackles
• Six sacks
• One interception
• Two forced fumbles
• Two Touchdowns

Though he is not yet ranked in the 2026 class, his recruitment is heating up, with offers from Florida, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Florida State, Louisville, and others.

Texas has yet to reach out, but his mother made it clear that they should.

“They need to be,” she said when asked if the Longhorns had contacted him.

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Irish Twins Set to Graduate Together in December

Both brothers are considered Irish twins, meaning they were born close in age but in separate years. Despite this, they are on the same academic path and will graduate together in December, making them a package deal for the 2026 class.

“This is what I want more than anything, but I understand they may have to take different paths. But it would make it so much easier for me. I’m a very hands-on mom manager,” said Griffin.

Among schools recruiting both brothers, NC State has been the most consistent.

“Coach Elliott from the Philadelphia Eagles is the new DC, and he has shown so much love. Florida State as well. We have a great relationship with Georgia—(Chidera Uzo-)Dribie—but they haven’t offered Jayden yet. Notre Dame hasn’t offered Jayden yet, but they said he is at the top of their board. Jayden’s recruiting just really picked up,” she explained.

She also had a message for schools that might be hesitant because of rankings.

“I think teams get caught up in the rankings, but let’s talk about work ethic, skill set, and character. Not to be overconfident about my children’s talent, but I—without exaggeration—have two absolute dogs!” she joked.

For now, all eyes are on Zavion’s March 22 visit to Texas. If the Longhorns make a strong impression and extend interest to Jayden as well, this could be a recruitment to watch closely.

“Brothers sticking together, dominating at the college level—what could be better?”