Saturday, February 28, 2026

Bad News for Josh Heupel As 5-Star Tennessee Target’s College Destination All but Confirmed

Tennessee’s quest for a top prospect in the 2027 class has been a long one, but it seems to have come to a disappointing end with the latest recruiting report. According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, a powerhouse from the Big Ten has swooped in and dealt a major blow to new head coach Josh Heupel’s plans. The target in question is none other than five-star running back David Gabriel-Georges from Baylor School, a player that Heupel and his staff have been eyeing for quite some time now.

Ever since taking over as the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, Heupel has been determined to bring in top talent and turn the program around. And it’s no secret that securing the commitment of David Gabriel-Georges was high on his priority list. The in-state RB has been turning heads with his impressive performances on the field, and his potential has caught the attention of college football’s biggest programs.

However, it seems that Heupel’s efforts have been thwarted by a Big Ten giant, who has now emerged as the frontrunner for Gabriel-Georges’ signature. While the news may come as a disappointment to Tennessee fans, it’s important to remember that recruiting is a highly competitive and unpredictable process. And while it may sting to lose out on a highly coveted prospect, it’s also a testament to the caliber of players that Heupel is targeting for his team.

David Gabriel-Georges has been a highly sought-after recruit, with offers from some of the top programs in the country. But it’s clear that Heupel and his staff made a strong impression on the talented RB, as he seriously considered joining the Volunteers. The fact that Tennessee was in the mix for a player of his caliber speaks volumes about the direction in which the program is headed.

But in the end, it seems that Gabriel-Georges has made his decision, and it’s one that may not be in favor of the Volunteers. While the official announcement is yet to be made, all signs point towards the Big Ten powerhouse as the destination for the five-star recruit. And while it may be a tough pill to swallow for Heupel and his team, it’s important to remember that this is just one recruit in a pool of many talented players.

The good news for Tennessee fans is that Heupel and his staff are not ones to back down from a challenge. They have proven time and again that they have the ability to recruit top talent and develop them into star players. And even though the loss of Gabriel-Georges may sting, it’s important to trust in the process and have faith in the team’s ability to bounce back.

As for David Gabriel-Georges, his decision to choose the Big Ten powerhouse may be the best move for his future. He will have the opportunity to play for a top program and compete at the highest level, which is something every aspiring athlete dreams of. While we may have to bid farewell to the talented RB, it’s important to wish him all the best and support his journey.

In the end, the latest recruiting report may have dealt a blow to Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers, but it’s important to remember that it’s just a small setback. The team is still determined to bring in top talent and turn the program around, and they have shown that they have what it takes to do so. So, let’s not dwell on the bad news and instead look forward to what the future holds for the Volunteers. As they say, when one door closes, another one opens. And who knows, the next recruit could be the one that leads Tennessee to greatness.

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