Notre Dame Making Strong Push for 2026 DE Zavion Griffin-Haynes, Visit Set

Notre Dame might have gotten a late start to the offseason with the deep run to the national championship, but that doesn’t mean the Fighting Irish slowed down on the recruiting trail. 

In fact, Notre Dame is set to host an important target on April 11th.

2026 Rolesville (N.C.) defensive end Zavion Griffin-Haynes‍ will make his first trip to South Bend due to the relationships he’s formed with the Irish coaching staff. 

“They’ve been doing a great job recruiting me,” Griffin-Haynes told ISD. “My mom is loving the coaches. We are just going to get up there and see what Notre Dame can offer me.” 

Notre Dame defensive line coach Al Washington has recruited the 6-foot-6, 230-pounder hard over the last few months. The two have not only connected over football, but also on a personal level, which is essential to the four-star prospect. 

“We have a lot in common on a personal level,” explained Griffin-Haynes. “He knows a lot and he can teach me a lot. They made the playoffs this year. He did a great job coaching those guys up and getting guys in a good position.” 

Marcus Freeman also got the attention of Griffin-Haynes by making a stop in January at his high school. The North Carolina is very aware Freeman didn’t make too many stops due to the Irish playing into late January and that one of his first visits was to Rolesville. 

“I think I was his second or third stop, so it was a blessing he came to see me,” said Griffin-Haynes. “They went far in the playoffs and that moved them up on my list. Coach Freeman has done a great job of staying in contact with me and my family. It’s just a blessing.” 

Griffin-Haynes holds over 30 offers, which was a goal, but also something he didn’t expect. Head coaches have routinely stopped by to visit with him and he’s coveted coast-to-coast. 

“It’s been crazy,” stated Griffin-Haynes. “You never know who has your best interest in mind so you want to pick the right school. You want to get in-depth with everyone. It’s just a blessing. A year ago, I didn’t think it’d be this big. I’m just taking it day by day.” 

In addition to coaches hitting him up, Griffin-Haynes is also hearing quite a bit from 2026 Notre Dame linebacker commit Thomas Davis Jr.‍ Davis has made it clear he wants elite players to play with him and is doing everything (and more) to make sure players like Griffin-Haynes understand they are needed in South Bend. 

“It’s great,” Griffin-Haynes laughed. “He talks to me every day. Whenever I post something he comments that we need to make it happen.” 

Perhaps the most interesting layer to his recruitment is Griffin-Haynes is going through his process with his brother, Jayden, who is a 2026 receiver prospect. 

Will they end up at the same school? It’s on the table as Griffin-Haynes is open to it but he knows they must pick the right school for themselves. 

“I would say we’re looking for the best fit as a person,” Griffin-Haynes explained. “There are schools that have my interest that he probably doesn’t have interest in. It’s really down to the wire to find out which school has the best interest for us and what’s the best fit for us.” 

As far as his game, Griffin-Haynes isn't getting caught up in the attention that comes with his recruitment. He’s working and working hard this offseason. 

“I’m working on everything, so no one can say, ‘He can’t do this or that,’” said Griffin Haynes. “I’m working on everything to be the best player I can be.” 

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