Touted offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda commits to Tennessee during the Navy All-American Bowl

Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor School touted offensive lineman Gabriel Osenda announced his commitment to Tennessee during Saturday’s live broadcast of the Navy All-American Bowl on NBC.

The 6-foot-7, 305-pound Osenda also strongly considered opportunities from Florida, Georgia, Minnesota and South Carolina.

“After talking to my family and after visits I’ve taken it feels right and feels like this is the place I want to be at,” Osenda told On3.

Josh Heupel and Tennessee are rolling early in the 2026 recruiting cycle sitting at No. 3 in the On3 Recruiting Rankings. The class headliner is five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. Osenda fellow offensive lineman in Brandon Anderson.

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

“They’re building a great program. They’re getting real talent and doing something special.”

Osenda loves what Heupel has built in Knoxville.

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

Elarbee is the position coach Osenda feels can get the most out of him.

“His style of coaching I’ve experience it,” Osenda said. “Him and my offensive line coach went to MTSU together and they have a similar style of coaching. Looking at his tackles and o-linemen they’ve really developed, they had a great year this year and it shows how he’s developed guys and builds them into great young men and great players on the football field.”

The On3 Industry’s tabs Osenda as the nation’s No. 25 ranked offensive tackle.