J.B. Shabazz is the newest commit in Tennessee's 2026 recruiting class after his commitment to Tennessee on Friday.
The blue-chip offensive lineman prospect had offers from virtually everywhere, but he ultimately chose Tennessee over North Carolina, Ohio State, Penn State, and South Carolina.
In his commitment decision, he faked out every hat on the table before ultimately choosing the Vols. Towards the end, it looked like he had faked out Tennessee for Ohio State, but the Kernersville, North Carolina native chose Tennessee over the Buckeyes.
Newest 4⭐️ Tennessee commit J.B. Shabazz fakes out South Carolina and Ohio State before his commitment to the Vols 😭 pic.twitter.com/90S1hqZsrH
— Vol Report (@AllVolReport) July 11, 2025
Shabazz received a crystal ball for South Carolina from 247 Sports. Despite the crystal ball prediction, he is joining fellow North Carolina native and five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon on Rocky Top.
247 Sports' Director of Scouting, Andrew Ivins, seems to love the potential Shabazz brings, offering a massive frame and the potential to be an elite offensive lineman at the Power Five level.
"Hulking offensive line prospect with Grade A features on a frame that's pushing 6-foot-6," Ivins writes. "Spent junior campaign positioned primarily as a left tackle in a two-point stance and was at his best in pass protection. Frequently in control of his feet and has displayed the ability to make some much-needed adjustments while in reverse.
"Bends more at the waist, which puts a premium on his upper half as he has to strike his targets with precision when asked to down/drive block. Will find a mean streak, but can be a little too reactive at times for a player of his stature. Likely to need a few semesters to improve technique and learn how to unlock his lower body. Projects as a swing tackle at the Power Four level with a rather promising profile given the length (34+ inch arms) and hoops background.
He will join a class that is slowly becoming loaded with talent. Tennessee currently has the commitments from two five-star and four four-star recruits.
The Vols now have the No. 13 recruiting class in the country as Josh Heupel and company continue to land top talent in July, raising Tennessee's recruiting rankings.