Tennessee football has secured a major victory on the recruiting trail, flipping four-star EDGE rusher Hezekiah Harris from Auburn. The move not only strengthens the Volunteers’ 2025 recruiting class but also sends a strong signal about the program’s ability to compete with SEC rivals for elite talent.
Harris, a standout pass rusher from Alabama, had long been committed to Auburn, choosing the Tigers early in his recruitment. However, Tennessee’s persistence, led by Josh Heupel’s coaching staff, ultimately paid off. Known for his explosive first step, long frame, and ability to pressure quarterbacks off the edge, Harris projects as a difference-maker in the Volunteers’ defensive front.
For Tennessee, this flip is particularly significant. Recruiting battles in the SEC are notoriously fierce, and beating Auburn for a player of Harris’s caliber demonstrates the Vols’ growing momentum on the trail. He joins an already promising defensive class that emphasizes speed, toughness, and versatility—hallmarks of Tennessee’s current identity.
Defensive coordinator Tim Banks and EDGE coach Mike Ekeler reportedly played key roles in keeping the relationship alive with Harris even after his initial commitment to Auburn. The staff’s consistency, paired with Tennessee’s recent defensive development and atmosphere on Rocky Top, gave Harris the confidence to make the switch.
At 6-foot-4 and over 230 pounds, Harris brings both size and athleticism. He has the kind of raw power and technique that coaches covet in SEC defenses. Scouts project him as an immediate contributor at the college level, with potential to develop into an NFL-caliber pass rusher down the road. For Tennessee, landing Harris helps solidify the defensive edge position for the future, especially as they continue to build depth against the SEC’s offensive powerhouses.
His flip also highlights the growing national appeal of Tennessee football. Under Heupel, the Volunteers have not only returned to relevance but have also become a serious contender in recruiting battles across the South. Whether it’s through NIL opportunities, player development, or a program culture that emphasizes energy and competitiveness, Tennessee is giving elite recruits reasons to buy in.
The timing of Harris’s decision also provides momentum for the Vols as they continue pushing toward early signing day. Recruiting experts believe Harris’s flip could encourage other undecided prospects to give Tennessee a closer look, particularly those who have seen the team’s consistent ability to land blue-chip players over the past two classes.
For Auburn, losing Harris is a tough blow, as he was one of their most highly rated defensive commitments. The Tigers will now look to regroup and fill the hole left in their 2025 class. Meanwhile, Tennessee fans have every reason to celebrate, as adding Harris not only improves the roster but also reinforces the Volunteers’ position as one of the SEC’s most aggressive recruiters.
Ultimately, Harris’s flip to Tennessee underscores a broader reality: the Volunteers are no longer just competing—they are winning battles against traditional SEC powers for top-tier talent. With Harris now on board, Tennessee’s defensive future looks brighter than ever, and the Vols continue to climb the ladder toward championship contention.