Josh Heupel's Tennessee receives commitment of four-star OT to the Class of 2026

Four-star offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda committed to Tennessee's 2026 class during the Navy All-American Bowl on Saturday. The standout prospect from Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, chose Josh Heupel's program over Georgia, Minnesota, Florida and South Carolina.

The 6-foot-7, 305-pound prospect has received scholarship offers from more than 20 schools. The commitment came following his multiple visits to the Vols throughout the season.

With Osenda's commitment, Tennessee holds eight committed players in the 2026 class, headlined by five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. The cycle ranks No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference and No. 3 in the nation. He joins three-star interior offensive lineman Brandon Anderson in the offensive room.

Gabriel Osenda wasn’t the only Baylor School standout to announce his college decision during the Navy All-American Bowl game. Three-star wide receiver Cam Sparks also revealed his commitment to Virginia Tech.

Gabriel Osenda opens up about his commitment to Tennessee

Securing the commitment of elite offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda in the 2026 class, following the acquisition of David Sanders Jr., the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle in 2025, is a major win for Tennessee. Along with Josh Heupel, Vols coaches such as offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, wide receiver coach Kelsey Pope and senior offensive analyst Max Thurmond played pivotal roles in making the recruiting pitch.

“It felt like home talking with the coaches,” Osenda told On3. “Talking with Coach Heupel, Coach Elarbee, Coach KP, Max Thurmond, just the way they’ve been recruiting me, making me feel Tennessee is home. It’s like family up there."

A key factor in Osenda’s commitment is his connection with Joakim Dodson, a former high school teammate and current Tennessee signee. Dodson’s positive experiences in Knoxville influenced Osenda’s decision. Osenda also raved about Heupel, describing him as a "true leader."

“Whenever I have conversations with him he feels like a genuine guy," Osenda said about Heupel. "Great leader. You can see it on the field. He’s leading his team to do great things.”

Gabriel Osenda is the No. 25 offensive tackle in the 2026 class, the No. 10 recruit in Tennessee and the No. 365 prospect in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.