Syracuse squares off with Power 4 powerhouses – angling for another five-star commitment in 2027 class
One of the top running backs in the 2026 class is starting to narrow his focus. Syracuse is among the giants once again in another blockbuster recruitment. Can the Orange do it again?
Baylor School (Tenn.) running back David Gabriel-Georges is starting to figure out who plans to focus on moving forward in his recruitment. The five-star prospect has offers from just about everyone, but has a few programs out ahead of everyone.
And one program might shock you.
The Syracuse Orange are among the early leaders, per Gabriel-Georges' latest conversation with Rivals' Chad Simmons.
The Canada native hit the road in the spring – checking out campuses at Oregon, Georgia, Ohio State, Syracuse, and Tennessee. His family accompanied him on these visits and it was one of his favorite parts.
“All five visits were impressive,” Gabriel-Georges said. “I saw a lot of things I liked at each school, and I had family with me on each trip. That really helped—being able to hear what they had to say and experience it with them.”
Earlier this cycle, Syracuse and head coach Fran Brown shocked everyone with a five-star commitment.
Northwestern (Fla.) wide receiver Calvin Russell picked the Orange over notable suitors Michigan, Miami, Florida, Oregon, and Florida State. Now, Brown and his staff have their sights set on Gabriel-Georges.
He told Rivals why Syracuse is in the running despite not having the program prestige of the other potential suitors.
“I’ve been there twice, and this time it felt like a barbecue—it was fun. A lot of my family was there and we got to just hang out. Coach Fran Brown stood out to me. He’s someone I feel like I can really learn from.”
Despite his attention, for now, being on Syracuse, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, and Tennessee, the junior prospect made it clear he was in no rush.
“I want to take my time and go through my official visits before making any decisions,” he said. “Education is the biggest thing for me and my family. Life after football matters. Relationships with coaches and how they see me in their offense—those things are important, too.
“There’s still a lot I want to see and learn. I’m not in a rush—I’m just trusting the process.”
David Gabriel-Georges was named Mr. Football in Division II-AAA in 2024.
Despite playing in just 10 games, the 6-foot, 205 pound prospect still managed to rush for 1,103 yards and 14 touchdowns. It meant a lot to him despite not coming away with a state championship.
"This is a big thing for me and my family," Gabriel-Georges said. "I have only been at Baylor for five months and I came here to play with the best and against the best. I am extremely grateful for the support system here and I can see that hard work will pay off in the end. This is just the beginning. I have many more goals to achieve."
During Gabriel-Georges standout sophomore season, I got a chance to chat with him about the process, being new to America and college football, and what it's like to be such a hot commodity.
“I want to see who and where I like the most. It’s my first time in America so I don’t know much so I want to explore,” Gabriel-Georges said. “I don’t know much so just trying to learn."
Ole Miss is trying to make it as simple as possible for the future blue chip.
“I am more relationship-focused when talking and looking at Ole Miss,” Gabriel-Georges said. “It’s my first time there in person. My main focus will be how they play their running backs and what the scheme looks like.
“My uncle tells me Kevin Smith is a great guy and they really want me,” Gabriel-Georges said. “They want to keep a good relationship with me.”
David Gabriel-Georges' former teammate and current Ole Miss running back, Shekai Mills-Knight is doing his best to get the Rebels in the conversation.
“He tells me they want me to come. We just talk about going to visit and how the staff is and how they’re great people,” Gabriel-Georges said. “Since I’m not really fluent in English he has really helped me and talked to Ole Miss for me."
Gabriel-Georges and Baylor School are among the top programs in the state of Tennessee and he will be striving for another title game appearance.
