Tennessee has landed one of its top in-state targets in the 2026 recruiting cycle, securing a commitment from four-star pass rusher Zach Groves. The East Robertson High School standout announced his decision on Wednesday afternoon via X, becoming one of the cornerstone defensive pieces for the Volunteers’ future.
Ranked as the No. 260 overall prospect in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, Groves brings a strong blend of size, athleticism, and production to Knoxville. Measuring 6-foot-4 and weighing 252 pounds, he’s projected to line up as an edge rusher or potentially shift along the defensive front depending on how his frame develops in college.
Groves’ resume is already impressive for a high school underclassman. As a sophomore, he burst onto the scene with 27.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks, showing a disruptive presence in the backfield. He followed that up with another strong campaign in his junior year, recording 21 tackles for loss and four sacks despite increased attention from opposing offenses. His blend of quickness off the snap and strength at the point of attack has made him one of the most coveted defenders in the Southeast.
The Tennessee native is ranked seventh in the state and 25th nationally at his position, making his commitment a big in-state win for head coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks. Keeping top local talent home has been a priority for Tennessee’s staff, and landing Groves is a sign of their growing momentum on the recruiting trail.
Groves held a long list of offers, including several powerhouse programs such as Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Michigan, and Arkansas. He was also scheduled to take official visits in June to both USC and Ole Miss, but his commitment to Tennessee may put those plans in doubt. While it’s not uncommon for recruits to still take visits post-commitment, the timing of Groves’ announcement suggests a strong bond with the Vols’ staff and a comfort level with their defensive scheme.
For Tennessee, Groves projects as a key piece in their evolving defense. His versatility allows him to be deployed in various alignments—either standing up on the edge in a 3-4 look or with his hand in the dirt as a traditional defensive end. His production at the high school level also indicates a high motor and strong football IQ, traits that will only improve with college coaching.
With Groves now in the fold, Tennessee adds another significant building block to its 2026 recruiting class. His commitment not only adds immediate credibility to the class but also helps reinforce the program’s ability to keep elite local talent in-state. As the Volunteers continue to rise under Heupel, securing players like Groves will be key to maintaining their trajectory toward SEC contention.
Now, all eyes will be on whether Groves sticks with his commitment through the summer, but for now, Tennessee fans can celebrate landing one of the state’s premier defensive talents.
