There’s a chess match unfolding on the recruiting trail, and it’s one that could have major implications for two of the biggest names in college football: Ohio State and Tennessee. At the center of it all? Two elite running backs-four-star Andrew Beard and five-star David Gabriel Georges-whose decisions could shape the future of their respective backfields.
Let’s start with Beard. The Bogart, Georgia native has trimmed his list of suitors down to four: Clemson, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
All four programs have official visits lined up, and each brings something different to the table. Beard, currently ranked as the No. 5 running back in the nation and the No. 85 overall prospect in the 2027 class per the 247Sports Composite, has plenty of options.
But his recruitment doesn’t exist in a vacuum-and that’s where things get interesting.
Because while Beard’s path is still winding, his decision could directly influence where Georges ends up. The five-star talent out of Chattanooga is the No. 1 player in Tennessee, the No. 2 running back in the class, and the No. 13 overall prospect nationally. And right now, it’s looking like a two-horse race between Tennessee and Ohio State.
Here’s where the dominoes start to line up.
Georgia, one of Beard’s finalists, already locked in Kemon Spell-the top-ranked running back in the country-earlier this month. That’s not to say Beard couldn’t still land in Athens, but it certainly complicates things. Beard may decide to carve out his own spotlight elsewhere, and Tennessee seems ready to roll out the red carpet.
But if the Vols zero in on Beard, that opens the door for Ryan Day and Ohio State to make their move on Georges. And make no mistake-Day has built a reputation for landing elite offensive talent. If Tennessee shifts its focus to Beard, that could be all the opening the Buckeyes need to swoop in and snag Georges from right under their noses.
This is a classic example of how recruiting battles are rarely isolated. Tennessee’s challenge is a geographic one as much as anything else.
The state borders eight others, and that makes keeping top in-state talent home a constant battle. Columbus, Ohio isn’t exactly down the street from Chattanooga, but it’s close enough to make a serious run-especially for a player like Georges, who originally hails from Quebec.
That northern connection could work in Ohio State’s favor.
So where does that leave us?
Tennessee is juggling interest in two top-tier backs-one from just across the border and one from its own backyard. Georgia has already landed its guy. And Ohio State, with its offensive pedigree and national recruiting reach, is sitting in a prime spot to capitalize if the Vols spread themselves too thin.
This is the kind of recruiting scenario that separates good programs from great ones. If Ryan Day can pull Georges out of Tennessee, it won’t just be another five-star win-it’ll be a statement. And with the Buckeyes’ track record of developing offensive stars, it’s a move that could pay off in a big way come 2027 and beyond.