Full Breakdown
Tennessee Secures Five-Star Running Back Gabriel Georges Over Ohio State
7/23/2026, 1:10:30 PM
Tennessee lands top-ranked 2027 running back
Vols head coach Josh Heupel and running backs coach De'Rail Sims succeeded in persuading five-star recruit David Gabriel Georges to commit to Tennessee, ending a month-long contest with Ohio State. ESPN sources said Heupel and Sims played a central role in the decision, which was announced on Wednesday evening after Georges completed official visits to both schools earlier in the spring.
The recruiting showdown
Georges, originally from Quebec, had visited Ole Miss and was also courted by Georgia before choosing Tennessee. Ohio State coach Ryan Day and his staff had pursued the prospect aggressively for the past 24 months, making the Vols’ win a notable setback for the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts. The commitment follows Tennessee’s acquisition of two other five-star players in the 2026 cycle—quarterback Faizon Brandon and wide receiver Tristen Keys—and adds to a class that now includes five SC Next 300 pledges.
High-school production that attracted attention
Across two varsity seasons at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Georges amassed 2,852 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns. In his 2024 debut season he recorded 1,103 yards and 14 touchdowns, then posted 1,749 yards with 27 touchdowns in his junior campaign, helping the team reach a state title game. ESPN ranks him as the No. 2 running back and No. 14 overall prospect in the 2027 SC Next 300.
Significance for Tennessee’s 2027 class
Georges becomes the highest-ranked running back Tennessee has added since Bryce Brown signed as the nation’s No. 2 rusher in the 2009 class. His arrival makes him the top-ranked member of Heupel’s latest recruiting class, which entered the week outside ESPN’s top-25 classes but now features five SC Next 300 pledges, including summer additions Marcus Fakatou (No. 13 overall) and Caden Moss (No. 15).
Outlook for remaining elite prospects
With Georges’ decision, only five of ESPN’s top-300 prospects remain uncommitted in late July, the most notable being Landen Williams-Callis (No. 46 overall, ESPN’s No. 3 running back prospect), who is expected to announce his choice in early August. Tennessee’s recruiting momentum positions the Vols to continue strengthening their roster ahead of the 2027 season.
