2026 class prospect Zach Groves confirms receiving offer from Hugh Freeze's Auburn

Four-star edge rusher Zach Groves, from East Robertson High School in Tennessee, is among the most highly touted prospects in the 2026 class. He has already received offers from multiple programs, including Tennessee, USC, LSU, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Oklahoma, among others.

Hugh Freeze's Auburn has entered the race for Groves' commitment by extending an offer to him. The prospect shared the news on X/Twitter, writing:

"After a great conversation, I’m blessed to receive an offer from Auburn University."

During his sophomore season in 2024, Groves recorded 72 tackles, eight sacks, two interceptions and eight forced fumbles. On3 ranks him as the No. 98 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 10 edge rusher in the 2026 class and the No. 2 recruit in Tennessee. He is also ranked as the No. 242 overall prospect nationally, the No. 25 edge rusher in the class and the No. 5 recruit in Tennessee by 247 Sports.

Zach Groves' potential commitment will be a boost to Auburn's 2026 class, which already ranks No. 2 in the nation and No. 1 in the SEC. The class has six committed players, including Hezekiah Harris, Shadarius Toodle, JaMichael Garrett, Denairius Gray, Kail Ellis and Wayne Henry.

Which programs are in the mix for Zach Groves' commitment?

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Tennessee leads the race with a 50.8% chance of landing Groves' pledge. The program extended an offer to him in July during his visit to Tennessee’s “Rocky Top Kickoff” event.

Groves visited Tennessee four times last year, including two home games in September, and participated in their Select 7-on-7 team’s practice in February. During that trip, he told Go Vols 247 that Tennessee remains a favorite because of its stadium and coaches.

Kentucky is also a strong contender, with a 23.3% chance of landing Zach Groves. The Wildcats' chances are strengthened by family ties, as his older brother, Elijah Groves, committed to Kentucky as a linebacker in the 2024 class.

The edge rusher's other brother, Isaiah Groves, is a 2025 prospect with a 40.7% chance of joining the Wildcats. The close-knit nature of the Groves family and the potential to play alongside his brothers at Kentucky may urge him to give his pledge to the program.