2026 Four-Star OL Gabriel Osenda Commits to Tennessee Football

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee football has secured a major commitment for its 2026 recruiting class, landing four-star offensive lineman Gabriel Osenda from Baylor School in Chattanooga. The 6-foot-8, 310-pound prospect announced his decision Saturday during the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio, choosing the Volunteers over Minnesota, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

“Rocky Top is the place I feel I need to be at,” Osenda told Rivals National Recruiting Analyst Sam Spiegelman. “The atmosphere surrounding the program is amazing. The fans are incredible, and playing in an elite conference gives me the opportunity to get better every day.”

Osenda, a standout tackle, has been a priority target for Tennessee’s coaching staff. He made multiple visits to Knoxville during the 2024 season, including game-day trips for the Florida and Kentucky matchups. His relationship with offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and head coach Josh Heupel played a significant role in his decision.

“They are very personable people. Talking to them felt very genuine, and it feels like a place I could do really well with great leaders and coaches like coach Elarbee and coach Heupel,” Osenda said. “One of the biggest reasons was seeing how elite and dominant the offensive line was this year. Every visit made it feel more like the place I wanted to be.”

Osenda’s commitment continues Tennessee’s strong recruiting momentum in Chattanooga, marking the third consecutive year a top prospect from the area has chosen the Vols. His addition bolsters a 2026 class already ranked No. 5 nationally by Rivals. Osenda’s raw talent and elite frame make him a potential cornerstone for Tennessee’s future offensive line.

The Navy All-American Bowl, where Osenda announced his decision, is a prestigious showcase for the nation’s top high school football talent. His selection to the event underscores his status as one of the country’s most promising underclassmen.