Five-star running back David Gabriel Georges has been Josh Heupel's top target for quite some time, as Tennessee has begun to shift its focus on the 2027 class after a successful Transfer Portal haul.
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The Baylor School star has been one of the most highly sought-after players in the nation. 247Sports has him rated as a five-star, the No. 14 player overall, and the No. 2 running back in the class of 2027. He has offers from pretty much every NCAA football powerhouse. Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, Oregon, and plenty of others have thrown their name in the mix for the star tailback.
Gabriel Georges has noticed how hard Josh Heupel has been pushing him. He recently said how Tennessee has been bringing in top players to make an immediate impact, and that he feels like a top priority for the Vols in 2027.
5⭐️ RB David Gabriel Georges on Tennessee 👀🍊
— Tri-Star Network (@TriStar_Network) January 30, 2026
“I feel like Tennessee is building and bringing in top players that will make an immediate impact… and they made it very clear they see me the same way — that I’m their top priority for 2027.” pic.twitter.com/c7JM80IheL
Why David Gabriel Georges is the perfect fit for Tennessee football
Tennessee's pursuit will not be easy, as every elite program wants Gabriel Georges, but the Vols have a lot to sell.
The most notable aspect of Tennessee’s pursuit of David Gabriel Georges is that the Vols did not sign a running back in the 2026 recruiting class. That detail is significant, as it creates a clear path for the young tailback to compete for playing time right away. DeSean Bishop has emerged as a star and should generate plenty of NFL Draft buzz, assuming he stays healthy through the 2026 season.
If Bishop leaves after next fall, this marks the perfect opportunity for Gabriel Georges to slide right in and make an impact. Could you imagine how great the Vols offense has the potential to be? Five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, five-star wideout Tristen Keys, SEC Freshman of the Year Braylon Staley, and young stud at tight end Ethan Davis. Add Gabriel Georges to the mix, and the Vols would have one of the best offenses in the nation in a few years.
The pursuit of Gabriel Georges is just beginning, but Heupel has positioned the Vols in a great spot early for the in-state star.