Tennessee loses 4-star commit after Bill Belichick pulls fast one on Josh Heupel

Less than two months ago, four-star offensive tackle JB Shabazz committed to the Tennessee Volunteers. Today, he flipped his commitment from the Vols to the UNC Tar Heels.

Shabazz, who is a North Carolina native, took official visits to Tennessee, NC State, Ohio State, and Penn State, but skipped on Chapel Hill.

Despite the lack of an OV with the Tar Heels and legendary head coach Bill Belichick, UNC was able to poach the OT out from under Josh Heupel and his staff, even with the Heels' embarrassing Week 1 loss to the TCU Horned Frogs.

Shabazz is the No. 9 offensive tackle in the class of 2026 and was a big-time pickup for Heupel and the Volunteers, joining five-star OT Gabriel Osenda and three-star OT Kamari Blair in Tennessee's upcoming class.

Now, Shabazz is headed to Chapel Hill to play for Belichick, bumping UNC's class of 2026 up to No. 18 in the country and leaving Tennessee as the No. 8 class in the nation.

Even with Shabazz's departure, the Vols claim the No. 5 class in the SEC, only trailing the Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, and Alabama Crimson Tide. So far, Heupel has landed commitments from two five-stars, 12 four-stars, and 10 three-star prospects.

Tennessee's class of 2025 was undeniably a step below its upcoming group of recruits, ranking 11th in the country and No. 8 in the conference.

Beyond Osenda, the Vols' class of 2026 is headlined by five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys and five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, alongside highly rated four-star athletes Salesi Moa and Joel Wyatt.

Shabazz was the 10th four-star athlete to commit to UNC in the upcoming class, which currently includes zero five-star prospects and 27 three-star recruits.

Yes, losing Shabazz is a loss for the Volunteers, but with Osenda and Blair still rounding out the class's offensive line prospects, Tennessee will be just fine over the next few seasons.