Four-Star EDGE Zavion Griffin-Haynes Decommits from North Carolina
The North Carolina Tar Heels suffered a major blow to their 2025 recruiting class as four-star EDGE Zavion Griffin-Haynes announced his decommitment from the program. The 6’6”, 230-pound standout from Rolesville, North Carolina, had been committed to the Tar Heels since September, but he has now decided to reopen his recruitment.
Griffin-Haynes’ decision comes as a shock to many, as he was one of the cornerstone prospects in North Carolina’s 2025 class and a key piece of their defensive future. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility made him one of the most sought-after defensive ends in the country.
In a statement to reporters, Griffin-Haynes explained his decision:
“After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I have decided to decommit from the University of North Carolina. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the best move for my future. I want to thank the UNC coaching staff for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to be a part of their program. I have nothing but respect for them and wish the Tar Heels the best moving forward. My recruitment is now 100% open.”
While Griffin-Haynes did not specify the reasons behind his decision, the move signals that he may be reevaluating his options as other programs ramp up their pursuit of the talented pass rusher.
Griffin-Haynes was one of the top prospects in North Carolina’s 2025 class and a player who had the potential to make an immediate impact in Chapel Hill. Rated as one of the top EDGE rushers in the nation, his ability to disrupt offenses with his speed and power made him a priority for the Tar Heels’ coaching staff.
The loss of Griffin-Haynes leaves a significant void in North Carolina’s recruiting efforts, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Mack Brown and his staff have emphasized the importance of building a strong defensive front to compete in the ACC, and Griffin-Haynes was seen as a key building block in that strategy.
Now, the Tar Heels will need to regroup and focus on securing other defensive targets to fill the gap left by his departure.
Griffin-Haynes’ decommitment immediately makes him one of the most coveted uncommitted prospects in the 2025 class. With his size, athleticism, and production at the high school level, he is likely to attract attention from some of the top programs in the country.
Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State have already expressed interest in the Rolesville standout, and his decommitment from North Carolina could lead to a renewed push from these schools. In-state rival NC State may also try to capitalize on Griffin-Haynes’ decision and keep him close to home.
Griffin-Haynes has not indicated a timeline for his decision or which schools are currently in contention, but he emphasized that his recruitment is “100% open,” signaling that he is willing to explore all options before making his next commitment.
Griffin-Haynes’ decision is part of the ever-changing landscape of college football recruiting, where commitments are often fluid and players are continuously evaluating their options. With the advent of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities and the increased competition among programs, top prospects like Griffin-Haynes are navigating a complex and competitive recruiting process.
For North Carolina, the decommitment underscores the challenges of holding onto elite talent in a crowded recruiting field. While the Tar Heels remain a strong program under Mack Brown, they will need to work tirelessly to secure top recruits and compete with national powerhouses.
Zavion Griffin-Haynes’ decision to decommit from North Carolina marks a significant shift in the 2025 recruiting cycle. His decision to reopen his recruitment will undoubtedly spark interest from some of the biggest programs in the country, while North Carolina faces the task of regrouping and refocusing its efforts to build a strong defensive class.
As one of the premier EDGE prospects in the nation, Griffin-Haynes’ next steps will be closely followed by fans, analysts, and coaches alike. Where he ultimately lands could have a profound impact on the future of the program he chooses and the trajectory of his football career. For now, the talented pass rusher remains one of the hottest commodities on the recruiting trail.