BREAKING: Four-star offensive tackle Kamari Blair has announced that he is flipping his commitment from South Carolina to Tennessee. The 6’6, 285-pound prospect from Clarksville, Tennessee, had been pledged to the Gamecocks since July but has now decided to stay closer to home and represent the Volunteers in the SEC. This decision marks a significant recruiting win for Tennessee, who have made Blair a top priority in their 2026 recruiting class.
Blair’s decommitment from South Carolina comes as a surprise to many, as he had appeared locked in with the Gamecocks over the past several months. However, Tennessee’s coaching staff never backed down in their pursuit, continuing to recruit him heavily and emphasize the importance of keeping elite in-state talent within the program. Their persistence clearly paid off, as Blair now becomes one of the Volunteers’ biggest additions on the offensive line.
Standing at 6’6 and weighing 285 pounds, Blair possesses the prototypical size and athleticism that coaches look for in a high-level offensive tackle. His length, quick feet, and ability to hold up against elite pass rushers make him a valuable asset for Tennessee’s future offensive schemes. Many recruiting analysts believe he has the potential to develop into a multi-year starter at the collegiate level and possibly an NFL draft prospect down the line.
For South Carolina, this is a tough recruiting blow. The Gamecocks had worked hard to secure Blair’s commitment early, hoping he would become a cornerstone of their future offensive line. Losing him to a conference rival not only impacts their recruiting class rankings but also adds another layer of competition as they could face him on the field in coming years. This flip highlights the fierce recruiting battles that occur within the SEC, where no commitment is truly safe until signing day.
For Tennessee, Blair’s decision reinforces the momentum that head coach Josh Heupel and his staff have been building on the recruiting trail. The Volunteers have been determined to dominate in-state recruiting, ensuring that top prospects like Blair stay home to play in Knoxville. His flip is likely to energize the fan base and could have a ripple effect on other undecided prospects in Tennessee and surrounding states.
Ultimately, Kamari Blair’s flip represents both a recruiting victory and a statement for Tennessee football. The Volunteers have proven that they can go head-to-head with SEC rivals and win big battles for elite talent. For Blair, the chance to play in front of family and friends while competing at the highest level of college football appears to have been the deciding factor. His commitment gives Tennessee another strong building block for the future of their offensive line.
