"Ohio State is definitely No. 1 on my list right now": Four-star recruit Zavion Griffin-Haynes hypes up Ryan Day's team after recent workout

By Maliha

Modified Jul 24, 2024 16:00 GMT

Four-star edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes is one of the most highly-touted prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. The Rolesville, North Carolina, native has already received offers from multiple programs, including Florida State, NC State, UCLA, North Carolina, Ole Miss and South Carolina, among others.

Ryan Day's Ohio State entered the race when defensive line coach Larry Johnson extended an invitation to Griffin-Haynes to attend a June camp. The prospect took the trip to Columbus on June 13 and left with an offer from the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes held camps on June 6, 11 and 13, with additional sessions on June 17 and a 7-on-7 tournament. Zavion Griffin-Haynes wasn't the only prospect to receive an offer, but his visit has placed Ohio State at the top of his list.

“Ohio State is definitely No. 1 on my list right now," Griffin-Haynes told On3. "Just the love they showed and just the culture and history behind the program.”

According to On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine, Ohio State currently holds a 12.1% chance of securing Griffin-Haynes' commitment for the 2026 class. This class has already seen a commitment from five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr.

On3 lists Zavion Griffin-Haynes as the No. 78 overall prospect, the No. 7 edge rusher in the 2026 class and the No. 7 prospect in North Carolina. Meanwhile, 247Sports ranks him as the No. 141 overall prospect, the No. 17 edge rusher in the class and the No. 8 prospect in North Carolina.

NC State leads the race for Zavion Griffin-Haynes' pledge

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, NC State has a 45.4% chance of securing Zavion Griffin-Haynes' commitment, with South Carolina trailing at 26.9%. Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren, defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and defensive line coach Charley Wiles made a big impact when they visited the prospect's high school in April to extend an offer to him.

“It feels great to have an in-state program offer you,” Griffin-Haynes told On3. “That’s all I’ve been waiting for. I’ve just been trying to show my face as much as I can to them and show I’m determined to get an offer from them.”

Griffin-Haynes has made several visits to NC State this year, including attending a junior day in January, a spring practice in March and another visit in April. During these visits, he toured the campus, interacted with the coaching staff and spent quality time with the assistant director of recruiting, LaFayette Stewart.

"It’s definitely genuine, and it’s definitely like a family," Griffin-Haynes said.

NC State is recruiting Zavion Griffin-Haynes to play a defensive end/edge rusher role, a position where his 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame could be highly effective. His weight might seem low, but his length and physical attributes make him a special talent with huge potential.

In his junior season, Griffin-Haynes recorded 28 total tackles, including 14 solo tackles and four tackles for loss.