Tennessee Vols football commit makes the big jump in recruiting rankings that we've been expecting for months

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated May 14, 2025 2:18 PM ET

When 2026 offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda committed to the Tennessee Vols in January, I wrote that it wouldn't be a surprise if the Chattanooga product (by way of Canada) became a four-star recruit by the time he made it to Knoxville.

It turns out that I was underestimating him.

Osenda, who was rated as a three-star recruit when he committed to Tennessee, was recently elevated to five-star status by 247Sports.

The 6-foot-7/330 lb offensive tackle is now rated by 247Sports as the No. 4 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 2 player in the state of Tennessee. He's also rated as the No. 19 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.

God is good all the time and all the time God is good! #GBO @TomLoy247 @Andrew_Ivins @BrandonHuffman @247Sports pic.twitter.com/EQ4fQsu5G7
— Gabriel “Big Squish” Osenda (@gabriel_osenda) May 14, 2025

The first indication that Osenda was much better than his early recruiting ranking came at the Navy-All American Bowl earlier this year.

From 247Sports: Mammoth junior Gabriel Osenda quickly showed he belonged at Navy All-American Bowl week by getting first-team reps at left tackle for the East during his first practices. Osenda, who committed during Saturday's game to in-state Tennessee, possesses enormous physical specs. He's pushing 6-foot-7 and weighs 334 pounds, equipped with a 10+ hand measurement and an arm of 34 3/4 inches.But the Canada native is more than just his on-paper numbers. Armed with an athletic background that includes basketball and hockey during his youth sports years, Osenda displayed impressive functional movement ability and range while competing against some of the best defenders in America throughout NAAB week.

New Tennessee 2026 OL commit Gabriel Osenda chose the Vols for many reasons at the @AABonNBC. One is because he feels he can win on Rocky Top.

Osenda said, “Tennessee is a national championship program.”

Story: https://t.co/9Eot0pGMjf (On3+) pic.twitter.com/9FriZqJQZX
— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) January 11, 2025

Tennessee nailed their early evaluation of Osenda. Now the Vols just need to make sure they keep the talented offensive lineman committed -- other programs will undoubtedly try to flip him before the early signing period begins in December.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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