Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel’s office, situated in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, might as well be located in North Carolina given his recent success recruiting from the Tar Heel State.
Heupel has been on an impressive recruiting spree in North Carolina, securing commitments from top talents like Faizon Brandon, the #1 overall recruit for the 2026 class from Greensboro, and five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. from Charlotte.
So, what’s behind Heupel’s success in this region? According to Vols defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs, it’s largely due to geographic proximity and the allure of playing in the SEC.
“It was a significant factor for me,” Hobbs mentioned during a press conference on Tuesday. “The proximity between North Carolina and Knoxville played a big role. We want to compete in the SEC because it’s the best conference, and that’s why I chose Tennessee, along with my teammates like Dave. It creates a connection.”
Hobbs, who was the top player in North Carolina for the 2023 class, is familiar with the recruiting landscape. The five-star defensive end from Concord, NC, chose the Vols over offers from powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and North Carolina.
Tennessee has long been able to attract talent from North Carolina due to its proximity. However, securing commitments from the top player in North Carolina for three out of the last four recruiting cycles (2023, 2025, 2026) highlights Heupel’s effectiveness in selling the Vols program, especially in the Charlotte area.
With North Carolina’s rich pool of talent, it’s clear that Heupel has built a strong pipeline from the Tar Heel State to Knoxville, cementing Tennessee’s position as a key player in the region’s recruiting landscape.
