The Tennessee Volunteers have pulled off a massive recruiting win, flipping Class of 2026 four-star offensive lineman Kamari Blair from SEC rival South Carolina.
This commitment flip is a statement for Tennessee’s recruiting momentum. Offensive line depth has been a major priority for the Volunteers, and Blair’s size, strength, and athleticism fit perfectly into the program’s vision for a dominant SEC front. Analysts describe him as a mauler in the trenches, someone capable of both anchoring the pass protection and opening up massive lanes in the run game.
For South Carolina, this is a painful blow. Losing a blue-chip lineman, especially to a divisional rival, underscores the uphill recruiting battle the Gamecocks face in the SEC. For Tennessee, however, it sends a clear message: the Vols are no longer just competing—they’re winning on the recruiting trail against programs they once chased.
Blair himself cited Tennessee’s commitment to player development and the family-like atmosphere as key reasons for his decision. The Vols’ recent stability, with long-term contract extensions for both head coach Josh Heupel and athletic director Danny White, likely factored into his confidence in making the flip.
Vol Nation has plenty to celebrate, as Blair now joins an already strong 2026 class that continues to climb the national rankings. If the Volunteers can keep stacking commitments like this, their future in the SEC looks brighter than ever.