Tennesssee HC Josh Heupel beats out Florida and others for key in-state OT commit

This week at the Navy All-American Bowl, there's been nothing but good news surrounding the Tennessee football program. To start things off, 5-star quarterback commit Faizon Brandon, the No. 1 signal-caller for the 2026 class, has been putting on a show for everyone to enjoy.

Things just got even better for head man Josh Heupel and his staff. A key offensive line target for the UT coaches has been Gabriel Osenda, an in-state playmaker for the Baylor School in Chattanooga. On Saturday, Osenda decided it was time to shut down his recruitment and let everyone know where he'll be playing his college ball - he'll be doing so in Knoxville.

OT Gabriel Osenda has committed to Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Vols

Heading into his decision, the 6-7, 320-pound tackle was down to Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Minnesota. Plenty of Vols fans were a bit concerned that perhaps Osenda would decide to pick the Gators, but thankfully that didn't happen.

How great is it too that Brandon and Osenda, now future teammates, are able to turn heads like this at the All-American Bowl together. The future sure is looking bright thanks to these two, but they're not the only ones on board for the '26 class.

Heupel now holds eight known pledges, ranked No. 5 in the country early on. It no question has been a great start for Heupel and adding a big-time OT like Osenda should give him plenty of reasons to smile. Don't forget that Tennessee signed the No. 1 OT in the nation for 2025 in David Sanders Jr. as well.

There have been some tremendous recruiting wins for Heupel of late and the hope is he can keep things going with some late finds via the transfer portal. Osenda putting on a Tennessee clip in the video above is big news for the program and something the coaches can keep building on.