Georgia has a sizable edge to land 4-star edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes, who decommitted from UNC despite Bill Belichick’s arrival.

In the ever-dramatic world of college football recruiting, few stories in the 2026 class have captured attention quite like the recruitment of 4-star edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes. With a rare blend of size, explosiveness, and technique, the Rolesville (NC) standout has become a top priority for elite programs across the country. But in a surprising twist, this recruitment has evolved into a clash of reputations — a proven collegiate powerhouse in Georgia, versus an NFL legend taking on a bold new challenge in the college ranks: Bill Belichick at North Carolina.

At the center of it all is Griffin-Haynes, who once appeared locked in as a Tar Heel but reopened his recruitment following coaching changes in Chapel Hill. That single decision has now positioned Georgia as the clear frontrunner, with many insiders believing they hold a “sizable edge” over UNC and others in landing the dynamic edge defender.

The Player: Zavion Griffin-Haynes

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing just over 220 pounds, Zavion Griffin-Haynes is a prototype edge rusher — long, athletic, and instinctive. His tape is filled with flashes of elite talent: a quick first step, the ability to bend the edge, and a motor that doesn’t quit. In his junior season at Rolesville High School, he notched 14 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and regularly disrupted opposing offenses.

Recruiting services universally rank him among the top edge defenders in the 2026 class, with On3, Rivals, and 247Sports all listing him as a national top-100 player. Coaches rave about his upside, and many believe that in the right program, he could develop into a first-round NFL Draft pick.

Griffin-Haynes originally committed to North Carolina in mid-2024, praising the atmosphere, staff, and proximity to home. But that commitment didn’t last.

The Flip: Why Griffin-Haynes Decommitted from UNC

In late November 2024, UNC head coach Mack Brown announced his retirement after a storied coaching career. Though the Tar Heels quickly pivoted to make headlines with a massive hire — bringing in six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick — the coaching change caused ripple effects across their recruiting class.

Griffin-Haynes was among the first major recruits to decommit, citing his relationship with Brown and the uncertainty around the new staff.

“I committed to Coach Brown. He believed in me early and treated me like family,” Griffin-Haynes said in a December interview. “With the changes happening, I just felt like I needed to step back and see what’s best for me.”

His decommitment immediately sparked interest from powerhouse programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida State, who saw an opportunity to re-engage a top defensive talent.

Enter: Bill Belichick

UNC’s decision to hire Bill Belichick sent shockwaves through the college football world. After parting ways with the New England Patriots, Belichick surprised many by jumping into the college game for the first time since the 1970s. While his resume is unmatched in the NFL, his lack of experience in the recruiting-centric world of college football raised eyebrows.

Still, Belichick wasted no time trying to re-solidify Griffin-Haynes’ interest in the Tar Heels. He visited the young defender in January 2025, marking his first in-person recruiting stop.

“Coach Belichick is a legend. It was crazy having him in my school,” Griffin-Haynes told reporters. “He broke down my tape, talked about how I fit in his defense, and what he could do for my game.”

Despite the respect he holds for Belichick, Griffin-Haynes didn’t recommit. Sources close to the family said there were lingering concerns about Belichick’s ability to adapt to the demands of college recruiting — managing relationships with players, families, NIL opportunities, and the transfer portal.

Why Georgia Has the Edge

While UNC works to stabilize its program under Belichick, Georgia has remained a beacon of stability and elite performance.

Head coach Kirby Smart has built a defensive dynasty in Athens. Under his leadership, Georgia has become synonymous with defensive development, sending elite edge rushers like Travon Walker, Nolan Smith, and Azeez Ojulari to the NFL. That kind of proven track record is appealing to recruits, especially those with NFL dreams like Griffin-Haynes.

“I know what Georgia can do with guys like me,” Griffin-Haynes said during an unofficial visit. “Their system, their staff, their track record — it speaks for itself.”

Georgia has made him a top priority. Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe have been in consistent contact. They’ve pitched not just early playing time, but a full development pipeline from freshman year to the NFL.

Additionally, Georgia’s NIL infrastructure is strong and organized, offering recruits clear paths to opportunities while maintaining focus on football. In contrast, sources say UNC is still building its NIL presence, particularly under Belichick, who has expressed discomfort with the business side of college football.

The Visits That Matter

Griffin-Haynes is taking a measured approach in his recruitment. He has scheduled an official visit to Georgia for June 6th, followed by Florida State a week later. He’s also keeping the door open for UNC and possibly Alabama.

Those visits will likely be decisive. Georgia will have a chance to showcase not just facilities and academics, but also their culture — a blend of championship expectations, NFL preparation, and player support.

Recruiting insiders say the Bulldogs are in “pole position,” with one On3 analyst noting, “Georgia has the momentum, the relationship, and the system. It’s theirs to lose right now.”

The UNC Factor

Despite trailing, UNC isn’t out of the race. Belichick remains a unique draw. His reputation, attention to detail, and decades of defensive innovation appeal to certain recruits.

Griffin-Haynes hasn’t ruled them out. “It’s still UNC. They’ve got Coach Belichick now, and that’s huge,” he said in March. “But I have to go where I feel I can grow the most — on and off the field.”

The Tar Heels’ hope lies in convincing Griffin-Haynes that Belichick’s NFL mind will give him a unique developmental edge, and that the program will quickly stabilize under his leadership.

However, time is not on their side. Georgia’s consistency, results, and relationships may be too much to overcome.

Outlook and Decision Timeline

Griffin-Haynes has not set a specific commitment date but has stated he wants to make a decision before the start of his senior season in August 2025.

Recruiting experts believe it will come down to Georgia and UNC, with Florida State as a potential sleeper. Alabama, though interested, appears to be trailing in terms of relationships and visit scheduling.

If Georgia impresses on his official visit — and all signs suggest they will — the Bulldogs could solidify their lead and potentially lock in a verbal commitment soon after.

Final Thoughts

Zavion Griffin-Haynes’ recruitment offers a fascinating case study of modern college football: where NFL legends like Bill Belichick step into unfamiliar terrain, where NIL and coaching stability matter more than ever, and where elite recruits hold more power — and options — than ever before.

While UNC’s hire of Belichick may eventually pay dividends, in this specific battle, Georgia’s blend of development, consistency, and elite-level recruiting gives them a clear edge.

Unless something dramatic changes, the Bulldogs are poised to add yet another blue-chip defender to their ever-growing stable. For Griffin-Haynes, it’s not just about prestige — it’s about the best path to the pros. And right now, that path looks paved in red and black.