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David Gabriel Georges, the Chattanooga running back drawing heavy attention, is down to a marquee choice that could quickly reshape recruiting narratives: a sustained push from Ohio State versus a growing case to remain at home with Tennessee. Recent visits and conversations suggest the Volunteers have narrowed the gap and may now hold the advantage — a decision with immediate implications for both programs.
Ohio State’s late surge
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Ohio State signaled urgency by sending a large portion of its offensive staff to Chattanooga to see Georges in person. That level of attention typically means a program views a recruit as both attainable and important to its incoming class.
The Buckeyes’ connection runs through running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, who has developed a strong rapport with Georges. Coaches with local ties and a proven recruiting track record often tip close races; the staff’s presence underlines how seriously Ohio State is treating the pursuit.
Why Tennessee is gaining ground
Still, several practical and personal factors appear to favor Tennessee. The Volunteers offer not only relationships but an offensive environment and roster circumstances that could maximize Georges’ skill set and visibility from the start.
Tennessee’s offense under Josh Heupel has consistently created room for workhorse backs. The Volunteers have produced three consecutive 1,000-yard rushers — Jayden Wright (2023), Dylan Sampson (2024) and Desean Bishop (2025) — a pattern that matters to a prospect focused on touches, development and early impact.
- System fit: Tennessee’s sideline-to-sideline schemes stress width and vertical threats, creating cleaner lanes and fewer collisions at the line — advantageous for a fast, violent runner who thrives once he reaches the second level.
- Opportunity: In Knoxville Georges could become a focal point of the class and a primary offensive weapon; at Ohio State he would join an already loaded recruiting haul where playing time is more contested.
- Local ties and teammates: Remaining in-state keeps him close to home, and existing Baylor teammates in Knoxville — Gabriel Osenda and Jamyan Theodore — provide familiar, trusted voices inside Tennessee’s program.
- Coaching relationships: Both programs have established connections to Georges, but Tennessee’s combination of system, roster need and peer presence gives it a persuasive edge.
What’s at stake
For Tennessee, landing Georges would mean adding a near-ready difference-maker who fits the offense and can step into a leading role. For Ohio State, missing out would be a disappointment but not a program-altering setback; the Buckeyes remain an elite destination with depth of talent.
Georges’ final choice will reveal which factors he values most: program prestige and established national exposure, or immediate opportunity, system alignment and staying close to home. Either decision will ripple through recruiting boards and alter expectations for both staffs as the signing period approaches.
Expect both camps to continue aggressive recruiting until the commitment is official — and for the outcome to be a clear indicator of how top recruits weigh fit versus profile when choosing a Power Five destination.
