UNC Flips Four-Star OT J.B. Shabazz

Days after attending North Carolina’s season opener, four-star senior offensive tackle J.B. Shabazz has switched his commitment to North Carolina from Tennessee.

Shabazz, a 6-foot-6, 280-pounder from Kernersville (N.C.) East Forsyth High, committed to Tennessee in mid-July following official visits to Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, and UT.

Originally, Shabazz had scheduled an official trip to UNC in June, but canceled it earlier in the month.

During his junior season, Shabazz protected the blindside of Bryce Baker, now a UNC freshman quarterback.

According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, Shabazz is the No. 308 recruit and No. 28 offensive tackle in the nation, and the No. 14 prospect in the Tar Heel State.

“J.B. is a kid who uses a lot of his athleticism,” Shabazz’s former high school coach, Rob Creason, said last year. “He grew up as a basketball guy. And, that has translated to his position: his footwork and his ability to get on blocks at the second level is just natural for him — it’s almost like a skill kid with a guy who’s 6-7, 290 pounds. He’s definitely a very good athlete for his size.

“If you look at him, he’s 290 pounds without a stomach. He’s a guy you see down the road developing into that powerhouse, pass protector.”

With Shabazz’s addition, UNC’s 2026 recruiting class sits at 37 members and is ranked No. 18 nationally. He’s the fifth in-state prospect to pledge to the Tar Heels, joining three-star kicker David Green, four-star edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes, mid-three-star linebacker Jayden Griffin-Haynes, and four-star defensive lineman Trashawn Ruffin.