Ohio State football sits at 19 commitments in the 2027 recruiting class after landing 4-star defensive tackle Karlos May over the weekend. The Buckeyes now turn their attention to potentially commitment No. 20, with 5-star running back David Gabriel Georges set to announce his college decision on Wednesday. Gabriel Georges, the nation’s No. 2 running back, will choose between Ohio State, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. The recruitment has largely been a two-team race between the Buckeyes and Volunteers, and while Ohio State has pushed hard on the NIL and playing-time fronts, a head coach relationship gap could prove costly.

Ryan Day’s recruiting approach could cost Ohio State

Ryan Day has typically allowed his assistant coaches to handle the bulk of recruiting before getting involved with higher-profile targets later in the process, as well as needed. While reports indicate Day has been more engaged with Georges over the last few months, earlier involvement could have helped Ohio State’s chances.

According to Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong, Gabriel Georges’ relationship with Tennessee’s Josh Heupel continues to be a talking point. 

“With Gabriel Georges, his camp has been consistent in saying their best head coach relationship is with Josh Heupel,” Wiltfong wrote recently. “The family feels connected with Heupel and that there is a real connection. From potential position coach De’Rail Sims to so many others in the building, Gabriel Georges has felt the love, but Heupel set the tone early.”

The recruitment is viewed as a coin flip right now, and if Ohio State’s head coach had cultivated a stronger connection with the program’s top running back target, who’s to say that wouldn’t push the Buckeyes over the edge?

If Gabriel Georges picks Tennessee over Ohio State, it won’t necessarily be because of Heupel’s relationship alone. Still, it’s not a non-factor, either. When two programs are going head-to-head for a prospect of this caliber, every detail counts.

Carlos Locklyn has led the charge for Ohio State

Ohio State running backs coach Carlos Locklyn has been the driving force behind the Buckeyes’ pursuit of Gabriel Georges, building a stronger relationship with the elite recruit and his family than any other one coach in the process. The Buckeyes have targeted Gabriel Georges as their clear-cut top running back for the 2027 class over the past couple of years, and Locklyn’s work has kept Ohio State firmly in the mix.

The problem for Ohio State is on the head coach side. Heupel holds the edge over both Ohio State coach Ryan Day and Ole Miss when it comes to his personal relationship with Georges. That gap matters in a recruitment this tight.

What Ohio State is offering Gabriel Georges

Ohio State has been aggressive on the financial front with its NIL offer to Gabriel Georges of north of $1 million a year. The Buckeyes also have the ability to offer early playing time and a potential split backfield alongside running back Bo Jackson, which is an appealing pitch for a prospect who wants to contribute right away.

With Gabriel Georges’ decision set for Wednesday, the Buckeyes will soon have their answer. Ohio State has done strong work through Locklyn and put together a competitive package, but Day may end up with some regrets if the head coach relationship proves to be the difference.