The Ohio State Buckeyes continue to show strong interest in one of the nation’s top young running backs as they push hard in the recruitment of David Gabriel-Georges.
The talented prospect from Chattanooga, Tennessee, has already made three unofficial visits to Columbus, giving him plenty of exposure to the program and its coaching staff. Now, he is scheduled to return on May 29 for what could be a pivotal official visit that might help shape his final decision.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 200 pounds, Gabriel-Georges brings a dynamic skill set that has drawn attention from several elite college football programs. Ranked as a five-star recruit, he sits as the No. 2 running back and the No. 13 overall player in the country according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. His combination of speed, vision, and power makes him a standout in the 2027 recruiting cycle.
Despite the widespread interest, the competition for his commitment has narrowed significantly. Recent reports indicate that only Ohio State and the Tennessee Volunteers remain as the primary contenders. The financial aspect of modern recruiting has become a major factor, with industry experts suggesting that securing his services could require a substantial investment.
On Friday, On3’s Pete Nakos reported that the Buckeyes and Tennessee Volunteers are viewed as the two teams still standing for Gabriel-Georges, who could earn a deal worth $1 million.
“Georges’ recruitment has turned into a race between Ohio State and Tennessee, and sources have said a seven-figure package is not out of the question,” Nakos wrote. “The price for top-end running back talent remains highly valued.”
Gabriel-Georges earned national recognition for his standout performance during his time at Baylor School. Last season, he was named the MaxPreps National Player of the Year after delivering impressive production on the ground. His ability to break tackles and find open lanes consistently stood out against high-level competition.
The young playmaker rushed for 1,756 yards and 27 touchdowns in that standout campaign. Those numbers highlight his potential to contribute right away at the collegiate level, something that programs like Ohio State value highly when evaluating high school talents for immediate roles in their offense.
Ohio State possesses significant resources to compete in this high-stakes recruitment battle. According to 247Sports, the Buckeyes maintained college football’s second-largest NIL collective fund during the 2025 season, valued at $20.2 million. This financial strength positions them well to craft an attractive offer that matches the expectations for a player of Gabriel-Georges’ caliber.
The Buckeyes have already assembled a solid foundation for their 2027 recruiting class, which currently ranks fifth nationally with 11 commitments in place. Adding a five-star running back of this caliber would represent a major boost to those efforts and further strengthen their future backfield outlook.
Coaches in Columbus see Gabriel-Georges as someone who could step in and make an immediate difference once he arrives on campus. His proven production at the high school level, combined with his physical tools, aligns with the type of talent that has historically thrived in Ohio State’s system.
While the Buckeyes hold a strong position after multiple visits, they will likely need to assemble a competitive NIL package approaching seven figures to edge out Tennessee.
The final weeks of this recruitment are expected to be intense as both programs make their closing pitches to one of the most sought-after running backs in the nation.
