The NIL Factor Shapes a Top Recruit's Choice
David Gabriel Georges, a five‑star running back prospect, has narrowed his college choices to Ohio State and Tennessee, sparking a high‑profile debate over how name‑image‑likeness opportunities could influence his decision.
Ohio State has pursued Georges aggressively, emphasizing a fit with its offensive scheme and a commitment to developing his talents at the collegiate level. The program is expected to remain aggressive on the NIL front, though internal signals suggest it may be reluctant to match the financial packages being floated elsewhere.
Tennessee, by contrast, has positioned itself as the potential leader in offering a lucrative multi‑year NIL agreement that could total as much as $6 million over three years. The prospect of a substantially higher earnings ceiling has led analysts to speculate that money could be the decisive factor for Georges.
The conversation has been amplified by Bo Jackson, who is entering his second season at Ohio State, and former Buckeyes assistant Zach Smith, who has suggested that if Georges demonstrates elite potential, the allure of greater NIL compensation might steer him toward Tennessee.
Recent commentary also references Ohio State's decision not to pay $2 million to another recruit, Jeremiah Smith, as an indicator that the university may be unwilling to meet the upper echelon of NIL offers, further tipping the scales toward the Volunteers.
If Georges ultimately prioritizes financial considerations, the consensus among insiders is that he would likely commit to Tennessee, where the proposed deal promises a higher immediate return. The final choice, however, will hinge on how the recruit weighs NIL value against other personal and programmatic factors.