Tennessee Loses Commit As 2026 Offensive Tackle Flips To North Carolina
Image: Inside Carolina/247 Sports
By Aidan Sidoti
Tennessee football lost a very minor piece to its 2026 class on Thursday as three-star offensive tackle J.B. Shabazz declared his decision to flip his commitment from UT to North Carolina, per Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett.
The Kernersville, North Carolina native from East Forsyth High School had only been committed to the Vols for less than two months, having announced his pledge to Tennessee on July 11.
Rated as an unranked three-star by 247 Sports and No. 46 overall offensive tackle nationally, this flip shouldn’t raise any worries for Vol fans, especially with five-star Gabriel Osenda and four-star Kamari Blair still locked in at the position.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder had taken three visits to Chapel Hill over the course of his recruitment, including a spring trip for UNC’s basketball game against rival Duke.
Shabazz’s flip to the Tar Heels represents a significant in-state recruiting win for Bill Belichick and North Carolina, which now boasts an overwhelming 37 prospects committed in the 2026 cycle.
After watching the TCU–UNC game on Labor Day, it’s clear you’ll need all the help you can get, Bill.
