Huntsville, Alabama, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Hezekiah Harris, a highly ranked four-star edge rusher in the 2026 class, has switched his commitment from Auburn to Tennessee Football after a 14-month commitment to Auburn. Ranked No. 100 nationwide by 247Sports, Harris’s decision reflects Tennessee’s growing strength in college football recruitment, especially under Coach Josh Heupel. His commitment follows other recent high-profile recruits joining Tennessee, demonstrating strong momentum for the program as they aim to build a competitive team.
Huntsville, Alabama — Hezekiah Harris, a highly ranked four-star edge rusher in the 2026 class, has made the decision to switch his commitment from Auburn to Tennessee Football. This announcement follows a lengthy 14-month commitment to Auburn. Harris’s decision came on a Monday, marking a significant shift in the ongoing recruitment landscape of college football.
Ranked as the No. 100 player nationwide according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Harris stands out as one of the top talents in the country. His commitment to Tennessee signifies a strong endorsement of Head Coach Josh Heupel’s program. Additionally, Harris is recognized as the seventh-best player from Alabama in his class, underscoring the local talent that Tennessee is focused on tapping into.
A significant milestone in Harris’s recruitment journey occurred recently when he signed his first autograph as a Tennessee commit for his high school head coach. This moment not only represents his personal growth but also highlights the excitement surrounding his future with the Volunteers.
Prior to his final decision, Harris was weighing options among three Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools: Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee. His choice of Tennessee adds to the momentum the Volunteers have experienced lately in securing commitments from top-tier talent. In the past two weeks alone, Tennessee has successfully flipped commitments from two additional recruits, further enhancing their recruitment strategy.
Notable recent additions to the Tennessee roster include five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys from LSU and four-star offensive tackle Kamari Blair from South Carolina. Keys, who had been with LSU since March 19, made headlines by opting for Tennessee on August 28. He has been widely recognized as the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2026 class, having demonstrated impressive skills during his junior season with 58 receptions for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns. His accolades include playing in prestigious games such as the Polynesian Bowl and the Under Armour All-America Game.
Harris’s commitment is part of a larger trend at Tennessee, as the 2026 recruiting class is beginning to take shape with several highly regarded prospects. In addition to Harris and Keys, Tennessee has also secured commitments from five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon and five-star athlete Salesi Moa. This influx of talent signifies Tennessee’s commitment to building a competitive team for the near future.
Additionally, Adidas has taken note of Keys’ talent, signing him to a name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract. This partnership with elite high school players is seen as a strategic move ahead of their collaboration with Tennessee scheduled for 2026. This approach further exemplifies Tennessee’s ambition to attract high school athletes as part of their recruitment initiatives.
As Tennessee continues to build momentum with these high-profile recruits, it lays the groundwork for a promising future in college football, as they aim to elevate their performance in the SEC and beyond.
FAQ
Who is Hezekiah Harris?
Hezekiah Harris is a 2026 four-star edge rusher who recently flipped his commitment from Auburn to Tennessee Football.
What prompted the change of commitment?
Harris made the decision to switch his commitment after over a year with Auburn, choosing to join Tennessee under Coach Josh Heupel.
How is Harris ranked nationally?
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he is ranked as the No. 100 player in the country and the seventh-best player in Alabama for the 2026 class.
Who are some other recruits that have recently committed to Tennessee?
Recent commitments include five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys from LSU and four-star offensive tackle Kamari Blair from South Carolina.
What notable accomplishments does Tristen Keys have?
Tristen Keys is recognized as the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2026 class and had a standout junior season with 1,275 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
Key Features of Hezekiah Harris’s Recruitment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Hezekiah Harris |
| Position | Edge Rusher |
| Class Year | 2026 |
| Former Commitment | Auburn |
| New Commitment | Tennessee |
| National Ranking | No. 100 (247Sports Composite) |
| State Ranking | Seventh in Alabama |
| Recent Flips to Tennessee | Tristen Keys (WR), Kamari Blair (OT) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville High School Football Media Day Kicks Off Season
Additional Resources
- Knox News: Tristen Keys Commits to Tennessee
- 247 Sports: Tristen Keys Flips to Tennessee
- Sports Illustrated: Tennessee Football Freshmen Impact
- All for Tennessee: Salesi Moa Commits
- WBIR: Brayden Rouse Commits to Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers
- Google Search: Tennessee football recruiting
- Google Scholar: Tennessee football recruiting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee Volunteers
- Google News: Tennessee football recruits
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
