Tennessee football’s grip on five-star offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda is under threat after Georgia’s high-profile recruiting whiff turned the Bulldogs’ attention toward the Vols’ prized commit.
The chaos began earlier this month when Miami pulled off a stunner, securing a commitment from Jackson Cantwell—the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2026 class—over Georgia. Now, Kirby Smart’s program is pivoting aggressively, with Tennessee’s 6’7″, 330-pound verbal pledge Osenda emerging as UGA’s top target.
Osenda, a newly minted five-star recruit per 247Sports (No. 4 OT, No. 19 overall in 2026), committed to Josh Heupel’s Vols in April over Florida, South Carolina, and Minnesota. But Georgia’s renewed pursuit has ignited concern in Knoxville. Despite Osenda previously vowing to shut down his recruitment, the Bulldogs’ persistence has left the door ajar for a potential flip.
“Tennessee must work to keep this from unraveling,” said a source close to the situation. “Kirby Smart doesn’t back down, and Heupel knows this is a battle he can’t afford to lose.”
Osenda’s rise to five-star status amplifies the stakes. The Tennessee native, now the state’s No. 2 prospect, holds 28 offers and has become a cornerstone of the Vols’ 2026 class. His raw power and frame make him a transformative talent, but Georgia’s urgency after missing on Cantwell adds pressure.
For Vols fans, the twist is bittersweet: Miami’s coup over Georgia inadvertently put their own commit in the crosshairs. Heupel’s staff now faces a critical summer to solidify Osenda’s loyalty amid relentless SEC rival poaching.
