Tennessee Keeps Rolling, Lands Elite Offensive Tackle
Image: Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
The Vols 2026 recruiting class continues to jump in the rankings, after a flurry of July commitments, including an announcement Friday evening from elite four-star tackle J.B. Shabazz, a major and much-needed win for offensive line coach Glen Elarbee.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound mauler from Kernersville, North Carolina chose UT over South Carolina, Ohio State, and NC State, per Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett.
Shabazz is ranked as the No. 320 overall prospect nationally and stands among the top-20 players in the state of North Carolina, joining an impressive offensive line class with five-star Gabriel Osenda.
His official visit from June 13-15 confirmed his decision in picking the Volunteers. He and his family were very impressed with the home-feel Josh Heupel and staff provided in Knoxville. “Me and my family had a great time,” Shabazz told GoVols247 after his official visit, “Just the people here help us out. They're nice. They're amazing.”
A former basketball player at East Forsyth High School brings a rare blend of athleticism and elite footwork to Rocky Top– traits that fit seamlessly into the philosophy of Tennessee’s o-line.
With Shabazz now in the fold, he becomes the 21st commitment in a surging 2026 recruiting class for the Vols– one that is aiming for a finish in the top-10.
