Tennessee Secures Top Recruit: Four-Star Tackle JB Shabazz Chooses Vols!

Clearwater, FL, USA - Excitement is brewing in the world of Tennessee football as head coach Josh Heupel recently celebrated a significant recruiting win. On July 11, Heupel successfully secured a commitment from four-star offensive tackle JB Shabazz from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Shabazz chose Tennessee over formidable competitors such as Ohio State and South Carolina, which speaks volumes about the growing appeal of the Volunteers‘ program.

Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 315 pounds, Shabazz is recognized for his impressive athletic prowess. He hails from East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, North Carolina, and is highly regarded in recruiting circles. He occupies the #352 spot in On3’s industry ratings and is ranked as the #56 overall player by Rivals, who also places him as the #6 offensive tackle in the nation. Additionally, he is the #7 player from North Carolina for the 2026 recruiting cycle Rocky Top Talk.

Recruitment Journey

The commitment journey for Shabazz was far from simple. He received scholarship offers from over 20 FBS schools, including an impressive seven from SEC programs. His official visits to institutions like South Carolina, Penn State, North Carolina State, Tennessee, and Ohio State allowed him to weigh his options carefully. Ultimately, the allure of Tennessee’s football program, bolstered by its recent successes, helped seal the deal. Shabazz made his announcement surrounded by close family, coaches, and teammates, a moment that surely marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in his athletic career Tennessean.

With Shabazz on board, Tennessee now boasts a total of 21 commitments for the 2026 class, including a talented roster featuring five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. The Volunteers‘ recent recruiting efforts have certainly made waves, adding high-caliber prospects such as defensive lineman Dereon Albert, edge rusher Zach Groves, and offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda, who is also a four-star recruit Rocky Top Talk.

The Competitive Landscape

As the recruiting landscape becomes increasingly competitive, Shabazz’s decision highlights not only his talent but also Tennessee’s rising prominence. This month alone has seen significant activity across college football recruiting, with a host of Top247 players announcing commitments. Thirteen of these athletes are set to declare their intentions, including several touted five-star recruits who have yet to make their choice. Programs such as Texas, Alabama, and LSU are all in the mix as they aim to attract these exceptional talents, making this a pivotal time in collegiate football recruiting for 2026 247 Sports.

In conclusion, the commitment of JB Shabazz to Tennessee is more than just another athlete joining the ranks; it’s a statement about the momentum and vision that Coach Heupel is cultivating within the program. With the Volunteers garnering attention from top-tier players and continuing to build a robust 2026 class, the future looks bright for Tennessee football.