With official visit season just ahead, the Tennessee Vols and Josh Heupel are entering a crucial stretch, but all eyes are on five-star in-state tailback David Gabriel Georges. Tennessee has been in the mix for a long time, but with Ohio State pushing closer, this recruitment feels like it could go all the way to the wire. Both teams have made sure to make the blue-chip running back a top priority this cycle, and they have made it a seeming two-team battle for his pledge.
Josh Heupel strikes again on recruiting trail with Vols landing underrated 2027 safety
With that said, Ohio State is making a bold move to position itself even better in the race for Gabriel Georges this week. Ohio State On3 writer Jeremy Birmingham reports that the entire offensive staff for the Buckeyes is heading to Chattanooga to see five-star running back David Gabriel Georges. Offensive coordinator Art Smith will be there along with position coaches Billy Fessler, Tyler Bowen, Keenan Bailey, Cortez Hankton, and running backs coach Carlos Locklyn.
There's no question that Ohio State is making it clear they want him. The Buckeyes have a great track record of producing high-level running backs, but so do the Vols. Tenensse has produced Alvin Kamra, Jaylen Wight, Dylan Sampson, and Desean Bishop, who is on the NFL path as well.
The Buckeyes' ENTIRE offensive coaching staff will be in Chattanooga to see DGG (5-Star RB) this week... desperation looks bad on you sweetie.
— Joey Petersen (@joeypetersen8) May 4, 2026
"Monday, Locklyn will be joined in Tennessee by offensive coordinator Art Smith. He’ll also be joined by quarterbacks coach Billy… pic.twitter.com/wnsXFbgi3G
Ohio State putting the press on David Gabriel Georges
All signs point to a summer battle, with Ohio State Buckeyes football and Tennessee Volunteers football trading punches all the way up to his July commitment date. Those two have been the frontrunners, while Ole Miss and Georgia continue to chase from just behind. Ohio State will get its first official visit on the weekend of May 29. The Buckeyes will set the tone, and the Vols will get to answer next weekend, hosting Gabriel Georges on the weekend of June 5. Ole Miss and then Georgia will round out the final two visits the next two weekends.
If Josh Heupel pulls this off, it might be one of the biggest wins of his Tennessee tenure. Beating Ohio State for a top offensive recruit is never easy, especially one they’ve put all their focus on.
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