Tennessee Pushing to Poach Coveted Star From SEC Foe
One of the top 2026 edge rushers in Alabama is already committed to the Auburn Tigers. But the Tennessee Volunteers haven't given up on flipping that prospect.
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On3's Chad Simmons reported Friday the Volunteers were set to host that edge rusher, four-star Hezekiah Harris, this weekend.
"Can Tennessee get Hezekiah Harris away from Auburn? It won't be easy, but there is no doubt, the Vols are in this," Simmons wrote. "Harris lives in Alabama, Auburn signed his brother in the off-season out of the Transfer Portal and there is a lot he likes about the Tigers, but some feel he likes the Vols even more.
"Can Heupel and company flip the four-star from the in-state school? They will give it their best shot this weekend."
Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel© Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Harris is the No. 3-ranked edge rusher in Alabama and seventh overall prospect in the state based on the 247Sports Composite rankings.
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In the entire 2026 class, Harris is ranked 12th among edge rushers and No. 93 overall according to the same rankings.
With his high ratings and given the fact he's from Alabama, it's likely a tall task for Tennessee to flip Harris.
The Volunteers, though, aren't new to Harris. The edge rusher has visited Knoxville, Tennessee four times since January.
So, the Volunteers have taken a lot of time to develop a relationship with Harris.
Simmons listed Harris on a list of five top targets "to keep a close eye on" who will be visiting Tennessee this weekend.
Of those five targets, Harris was the only edge rusher.
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Related: Tennessee Gets Clear Message From Five-Star Edge Rusher
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
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