CHATTANOOGA — David Gabriel Georges committed to play football for the University of Tennessee. The Baylor School running back chose the Volunteers over finalist contenders Ohio State and Ole Miss.

The announcement was broadcast live on CBS Sports. Georges was accompanied by his parents, cousin, brother, and sister at the press conference. He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds.

Georges is originally from Quebec, Canada. He is ranked as the 12th ranked player in the nation by 247Sports. The service also lists him as the second-ranked running back overall. Rivals ranks Georges No. 9 overall in the class of 2027.

During the previous season, Georges ran for 1,749 yards in 10 games. He scored 27 touchdowns in that span. Tennessee offered a reported $2 million per year in NIL money to the prospect.

Georges visited Tennessee in early June 2026. Ohio State hosted him on an official visit at the end of May 2026. He also took an official visit to Ole Miss before canceling a scheduled trip to Georgia.

The UT staff "made it feel like home," Georges said. "I think it will be a great place for me - a great fit," he added.

Tennessee Volunteers football commit Carter Jamison praised the recruitment effort. "DGG, come be a Vol. Tennessee is building something special, and there’s no better place to develop, compete, and play in front of the best fans in the country. We’d love to have you in Knoxville," Jamison stated.

Chattanooga columnist Mark Wiedmer offered a high-profile comparison. Wiedmer said Georges is better than Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson.

This commitment secures a top-tier talent for the Volunteers' backfield. Georges became the first Canadian-born player and first from the Chattanooga area to be named national player of the year by MaxPreps.com. According to reports, his 1,756 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in 2025 ranked him as the third-highest producing running back in Tennessee high school history, behind only NFL prospects Kirkpatrick and Brantley.

The financial component of the deal reflects shifting market dynamics. Tennessee offered Georges a reported $2 million per year in NIL compensation, exceeding the typical offers for running backs in previous years. Unverified reports suggest Tennessee's football program has a 78% retention rate for five-star recruits since 2015, compared to Ohio State's 62% retention rate for similar prospects.