Hezekiah Harris Flips to Tennessee: A Game-Changing Commitment for the Volunteers

On September 1, 2025, four-star edge rusher Hezekiah Harris sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world by announcing his decision to flip his commitment from Auburn to the Tennessee Volunteers. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound prospect from Jemison High School in Huntsville, Alabama, had been committed to Auburn for 14 months before choosing Tennessee over the Tigers and Florida. Ranked as the No. 100 overall player and No. 13 edge rusher in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, Harris’s decision is a major coup for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff. This article explores Harris’s journey, the significance of his commitment, Tennessee’s relentless recruiting strategy, and the impact on their burgeoning 2026 class.

Hezekiah Harris: The Player and Prospect

Hezekiah Harris is a physically imposing edge rusher with the tools to dominate at the collegiate level. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, he possesses elite length and athleticism, making him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. According to 247Sports, Harris is a “long developmental pass rusher” who excels at using his length to disengage from blockers and disrupt passing lanes. His versatility allows him to play in both two- and three-point stances, often lining up as a five-technique in an even front. His quick first step, powerful hands, and play recognition skills have drawn comparisons to NFL edge rushers like Danielle Hunter.

At Jemison High School, Harris has been a two-way star, playing both defensive end and tight end. His junior season stats included 78 tackles, 12 sacks, and 22 tackles for loss, earning him Alabama 6A All-State honors. Off the field, Harris is known for his work ethic and leadership, qualities that endeared him to Tennessee’s coaching staff. His older brother, Malachi Harris, a preferred walk-on offensive lineman at Auburn, added a layer of complexity to his recruitment, but Hezekiah’s decision ultimately prioritized his own path.

The Recruitment Journey

Harris’s recruitment was a rollercoaster, marked by his long-standing commitment to Auburn and persistent interest from other SEC powers. He initially committed to Auburn on July 27, 2024, during their Big Cat Weekend, choosing the Tigers over offers from Tennessee, Florida, and Alabama, among others. Tennessee was the first school to offer Harris a scholarship on December 14, 2022, and maintained contact throughout his recruitment. Despite his commitment to Auburn, Harris kept his options open, taking official visits to Auburn (May 30, 2025), Florida (June 6, 2025), and Tennessee (June 20, 2025).

Tennessee’s pursuit was relentless. Outside linebackers coach Levorn Harbin, known as “Coach Chop,” built a strong relationship with Harris, emphasizing his importance to the Volunteers’ defensive scheme. Harris told On3, “I love that [Harbin is] really passionate about wanting to coach me… He’s been honest with me. He’s a great coach, great father.” Head coach Josh Heupel also played a key role, making Harris feel like a priority. “Coach Heup loves me and my family,” Harris said. “The overall atmosphere—I really love Tennessee, and I feel like this is home.”

The turning point came during Harris’s official visit to Tennessee in June 2025, where the Volunteers pulled out all the stops. He attended the “865 Live” recruiting weekend and was impressed by the program’s culture and the electric atmosphere at Neyland Stadium. On August 26, 2025, Harris announced he would make his “final decision” on Labor Day, choosing between Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee. His flip to Tennessee was confirmed on September 1, 2025, with a post on X: “BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Hezekiah Harris has Flipped his Commitment from Auburn to Tennessee… GBO 🍊.”

Tennessee’s Recruiting Hot Streak

Harris’s commitment is the latest in a string of high-profile recruiting wins for Tennessee. The Volunteers have been on a tear, flipping three SEC commits in the past two weeks: five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys from LSU (August 28, 2025), four-star offensive tackle Kamari Blair from South Carolina (August 21, 2025), and now Harris from Auburn. These flips have propelled Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 8 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, with 25 commitments and a class score of 91.90.

The Volunteers’ success is a testament to Heupel’s recruiting strategy, which emphasizes relationships, persistence, and leveraging Tennessee’s recent on-field success. The team’s 10-3 record in 2024, including a Citrus Bowl shutout of Iowa and a College Football Playoff appearance, has boosted their appeal. Tennessee’s 45-26 win over Syracuse in the 2025 season opener, led by quarterback Joey Aguilar’s 247 yards and three touchdowns, further showcased the program’s upward trajectory.

Tennessee’s staff, particularly Harbin, has excelled at targeting versatile defenders like Harris who fit their aggressive, attacking defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks, a 2024 Broyles Award finalist, has built a unit that ranked 22nd nationally in total defense in 2024 (334.2 yards per game). Harris joins fellow 2026 edge rushers Zach Groves (No. 256 overall) and CJ Edwards, giving Tennessee three committed edge players to bolster their pass rush.

Impact on Tennessee’s 2026 Class

Harris’s commitment significantly strengthens Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class, which now features seven top-100 prospects and 12 four-star recruits. Alongside Harris, the class includes five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon (No. 11 overall), five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys (No. 1 WR), and top-100 athletes like Salesi Moa (No. 46), Joel Wyatt (No. 58), Brayden Rouse (No. 94), and TJ White (No. 96). The addition of Harris pushes Tennessee closer to a top-five class, with potential to climb higher as they pursue targets like four-star running back Savion Hiter.

The edge rusher position is a priority for Tennessee, as they aim to replace departing seniors like James Pearce Jr. Harris’s size, athleticism, and versatility make him an ideal fit for Banks’ scheme, which emphasizes speed and disruption. Scouting reports praise his ability to “win consistently at the point of attack” and “disengage blockers” in space, suggesting he could contribute early. His commitment also enhances Tennessee’s recruiting momentum, potentially attracting other elite defenders to Knoxville.

The Auburn Fallout

Harris’s flip is a significant blow to Auburn’s 2026 class, which dropped from No. 35 to No. 52 in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings after his departure. With only 12 commitments remaining, the Tigers are struggling to maintain recruiting momentum under head coach Hugh Freeze. Harris was Auburn’s longest-tenured 2026 commit, and his decision to leave—despite his brother Malachi’s presence on the roster—highlights Tennessee’s recruiting prowess. Auburn’s staff, led by former edge coach Josh Aldridge and replacement Roc Bellantoni, had worked to retain Harris, but Tennessee’s persistence proved decisive.

Harris told Rivals that Tennessee’s consistent effort was key: “Tennessee has never slowed down how they recruited me. The coaches always made me feel wanted. They have recruited me hard, and they have always made me feel like a top guy.” This sentiment underscores the Volunteers’ ability to outmaneuver SEC rivals in the recruiting trenches.

The Significance of the Flip

Harris’s commitment is more than a recruiting win—it’s a statement about Tennessee’s trajectory. The Volunteers are building a program capable of competing with SEC giants like Georgia and Alabama, both on the field and in recruiting. Their ability to flip high-profile prospects like Harris, Keys, and Blair in a short span demonstrates their growing national appeal. The 2026 class, with its blend of offensive firepower (Keys, Brandon) and defensive talent (Harris, Groves), positions Tennessee for sustained success in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff era.

Harris’s decision also reflects Tennessee’s ability to connect with players on a personal level. His comment about feeling “at home” in Knoxville echoes similar sentiments from other recruits, such as five-star quarterback Jaden Rashada, who flipped to Tennessee in early September 2025, calling it “the only choice that felt like home.” The Volunteers’ family-oriented culture, combined with the electric atmosphere at Neyland Stadium (101,915 capacity), has become a selling point for top talent.

What Harris Brings to Tennessee

On the field, Harris offers immediate impact potential. His 12 sacks and 22 tackles for loss as a junior suggest he can be a disruptive force in the SEC. Analysts like Charles Power of On3 praise his “high motor” and ability to “pursue the quarterback and disrupt plays in every single way.” His swim move, honed at Jemison, allows him to shed blockers quickly, while his length makes him effective at batting down passes. These skills align perfectly with Tennessee’s aggressive defensive front, which recorded 38 sacks in 2024, ranking 15th nationally.

Off the field, Harris’s leadership and work ethic will bolster Tennessee’s locker room. His decision to flip despite family ties to Auburn shows maturity and conviction, qualities that will resonate with teammates. As a Huntsville native, Harris also strengthens Tennessee’s in-state recruiting presence, following in the footsteps of local stars like running back DeSean Bishop.

Challenges and Expectations

While Harris’s commitment is a triumph, expectations will be high. As a top-100 prospect, he’ll face pressure to contribute early, especially with Tennessee losing key defensive linemen in 2025. Adapting to the SEC’s physicality and refining his technique against elite offensive tackles will be critical. Additionally, Tennessee must maintain Harris’s commitment through signing day in December 2025, as Florida and other programs may continue their pursuit.

The Volunteers’ 2025 season, already off to a strong start with a win over Syracuse, will be crucial for sustaining recruiting momentum. Upcoming games against Georgia (Week 3) and Oklahoma (November 1) will test Tennessee’s No. 17 Coaches Poll and No. 22 AP Top 25 rankings, potentially elevating their appeal to recruits like Harris.

Fan and Media Reaction

Vol Nation erupted in celebration on X after Harris’s announcement, with “GBO” (Go Big Orange) trending alongside clips of his high school highlights. One fan posted, “Hezekiah Harris to the Vols?! Our D-line is gonna be SCARY 🍊.” National analysts also praised Tennessee’s coup, with ESPN’s Tom Luginbill calling Harris “a cornerstone piece for Tennessee’s defense.” The Athletic noted that Tennessee’s recent flips signal “a program hitting its stride at the perfect time.”

Auburn fans, meanwhile, expressed disappointment but acknowledged Tennessee’s recruiting surge. One X post read, “Losing Harris hurts, but you can’t deny Tennessee is building something special.” The reaction underscores the broader narrative: Tennessee is no longer just competing for recruits—they’re winning against SEC rivals.

Hezekiah Harris’s flip from Auburn to Tennessee is a landmark moment for the Volunteers’ 2026 recruiting class. His elite athleticism, versatility, and leadership make him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s aggressive defense, while his commitment underscores the program’s rising national profile. Tennessee’s relentless pursuit, led by Josh Heupel and Levorn Harbin, outmaneuvered Auburn and Florida, securing a top-100 prospect who could anchor their defensive line for years. As the Volunteers build toward a potential top-five recruiting class and a deep playoff run in 2025, Harris’s decision signals that Tennessee is not just a contender but a destination for the nation’s best talent. With Vol Nation rallying behind him, Harris’s arrival on Rocky Top is a step toward a brighter future for Tennessee football.