Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes appear set to miss out on elite 2027 running back David Gabriel Georges.

Gabriel Georges, one of the top recruits in the 2027 class, is choosing between Ohio State, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. While it’s been a two-team race between the Buckeyes and Volunteers for some time, the latest intel suggests Tennessee is in the driver’s seat. 

Steve Wilfong flips his prediction from Ohio State to Tennessee

On3’s Steve Wilfong had been in Ohio State’s corner since April, believing the Buckeyes were the team to beat for Gabriel Georges. A day before the commitment, Wilfong flipped his prediction to Tennessee.

The reasons come down to NIL money, a starting opportunity, and a jersey number. Make no mistake about it, the difference in money is near the forefront. 

“As Pete Nakos first reported, and Chris Low then added, Gabriel Georges is tracking to be the highest-paid running back to be paid from the high school ranks in the modern recruiting era,” Wiltfong wrote recently. “Low wrote earlier this month Tennessee’s deal is a six million dollar deal over three years. Nakos added that will come with perks. I do believe Ohio State worked to get it close on the NIL side. But I don’t think it will be enough.”

One of the biggest reasons why Tennessee looks to be trending, beyond the relationships and NIL, is the chance to be a day-one starter. If Gabriel Georges does choose the Vols as expected, he’ll be in line to start as a true freshman. He will also be able to retain his jersey number, No. 0. At Ohio State they couldn’t make that promise as that jersey is awarded to a player every year for what they represent on and off the field.”

That’s a tough pill to swallow for Ohio State when it comes to a player who can likely make it to the NFL no matter where he goes. The Buckeyes offered something close to half of what Tennessee offered, and it was the most they have ever offered a freshman running back. Ohio State didn’t pay wide receiver Jeremiah Smith that kind of money coming in a couple of years ago, which goes to show how badly the program wanted Gabriel Georges.

Still, Ohio State wasn’t willing to go away from what it has built the program on. The Buckeyes can’t offer Gabriel Georges the lone starting running back spot because Bo Jackson is on the roster after rushing for 1,000 yards as a freshman and looks to be a game-changing back himself. Gabriel Georges would have to split carries with Jackson in 2027 at the very least.

Ohio State also gives the No. 0 jersey to a team leader every year through a tradition called the “Block O.” The program isn’t going to abandon traditions like that for one incoming freshman.

Losing Gabriel Georges stings, but Ohio State remains in strong position

Ohio State has lost out on elite players for money reasons before, and it will happen again. It’s a tough break that the Buckeyes will likely miss out on a running back they wanted to add badly, but it’s not the end of the world. Ohio State is still a national championship contender each and every year. Tennessee, on the other hand, is a middle-of-the-pack SEC team hoping to one day get to the spot where Ohio State already is.

Tomorrow will tell if Gabriel Georges makes the expected choice, but the Buckeyes will move forward with plenty of talent on their roster regardless of the outcome.