ECU Adds 2026 OT Ja’Vaughn Hargett to Growing Class

Photo Credit: HighSchoolOT

East Carolina has made another major addition to its offensive line pipeline with the commitment of Ja’Vaughn Hargett, a three-star offensive tackle out of Southern Durham High School in North Carolina. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound prospect becomes the second offensive line commit in the 2026 class, joining Preston Broadway of Metrolina Christian Academy.

Rated an 86 overall by 247Sports, Hargett checks in as the 111th-ranked offensive tackle nationally and the 40th-best in the 2026 cycle. He picked the Pirates over offers from Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, James Madison, App State, Charlotte, Toledo, and Troy, showing just how wide his recruiting attention stretched.

Hargett brings ideal size and frame to grow into a future left or right tackle at the college level. While he’ll need time to add weight and strength in a Division I program, the tools are there from length to footwork to become a key piece of the offensive front down the road.

He was recruited by ECU offensive line coach Matt Mattox, who offered him back in late February. Hargett followed that up with a strong junior season at Southern Durham, where he earned Northern Lakes Athletic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year honors while helping lead his team to a 10-3 record.

Hargett’s commitment continues East Carolina’s push to build depth and athleticism in the trenches. His long-term potential, especially as a true tackle prospect, makes him a valuable piece of the Pirates’ 2026 foundation.