​David Gabriel Georges, the 2027 five-star running back, is preparing to choose between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes, with a decision expected to be announced on July 22, 2027. Reports indicate that Georges has already settled on a choice, yet he is deliberately withholding that information until the scheduled reveal. It’s understood that neither Tennessee nor Ohio State has been informed of his final decision yet. This creates a situation reminiscent of Schrödinger’s cat, as both programs continue to recruit Georges as if no commitment has been made.
There is growing optimism around Tennessee for several reasons, including the possibility of a faster path to meaningful playing time on Rocky Top. Ohio State, naturally, remains in the mix and isn’t being counted out. However, it appears that Ohio State is the team that feels more pressure as Georges’ commitment date nears.
Brent Hubbs of VolQuest shared his latest observations on Gabriel Georges while appearing on 104.5 The Zone with Ramon and Will. He noted that Tennessee has perhaps been underestimated by some national analysts, while others have begun to recognize Tennessee as a legitimate contender who could land Georges in the coming weeks. Hubbs stressed that Tennessee has put its best foot forward and has developed stronger relationships with Georges than some outsiders might have realized. Those connections include former high school teammates and a sense of comfort Georges has with the Tennessee staff. He highlighted the positive impact of running backs coach De’Rail Sims and the broader influence of people connected to Georges in the Chattanooga area, all of which he believes bode well for Tennessee.
On the Ohio State side, Hubbs pointed out Georges’ positive impressions of headlining assistant coach Carlos Locklyn and of the Buckeyes’ storied tradition. These factors are meaningful and contribute to Ohio State’s appeal. Yet Hubbs also emphasized that Tennessee has executed a compelling recruitment, and Ohio State appears to be reacting to Tennessee’s momentum—adjustments that suggest Ohio State recognizes they may be at greater risk of losing him than some observers anticipated in the weeks and months prior.
Although the current trajectory in the rivalry seems to lean toward Tennessee, Hubbs cautioned that it does not guarantee a Vols victory. He argued that the logistics of a day-one opportunity at Tennessee—where Georges would likely be the top back option immediately—could tilt the decision in Tennessee’s favor, especially given the presence of Bo Jackson at Ohio State, who had a standout true freshman season in 2025. Nevertheless, the final choice rests with Georges, and it remains uncertain whether he will view Tennessee’s path as superior or weigh Ohio State’s tradition and coaching staff as equally compelling. As the July 22 decision approaches, both programs continue their recruiting efforts, mindful that the outcome could hinge on Georges’ personal fit and his assessment of where he can most rapidly impact their offensive attack.