Four-Star OT J.B. Shabazz Flips Commitment Tennessee North Carolina

Four-star offensive lineman J.B. Shabazz, originally committed to the Tennessee Volunteers in July 2024, has flipped his commitment to the North Carolina Tar Heels. Shabazz, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound prospect from East Forsyth High School in North Carolina, cited the positive atmosphere and future potential under new UNC head coach Bill Belichick despite the team’s rough season opener loss. Ranked among the top offensive linemen nationally and in North Carolina, Shabazz’s decision adds a high-caliber recruit to UNC’s 2026 class, which is gaining momentum under Belichick. Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class remains strong and is ranked No. 8 nationally, bolstered by recent flips including five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys and other four-star commits, maintaining quality despite Shabazz’s departure. Shabazz’s flip highlights the ongoing recruiting competition between SEC and ACC programs and the influence of coaching reputation on top recruits’ decisions. Both programs appear positioned for strong recruiting classes, with UNC leveraging Belichick’s NFL legacy and Tennessee building on recent momentum.