Despite burning nearly two years and going all in for David Gabriel Georges (DDG), OSU at last lost the recruitment race to Josh Heupel’ Tennessee. Following the loss of the nation’s No. 2 RB, the internet erupted, labeling it a big blow for the Buckeyes. But will the loss really impact them? That’s where former Ohio State OL LeCharles Bentley was bold, setting the record straight.

“It’s Ohio State…. Who’s carrying the football has NEVER been an issue,” wrote Bentley on his X on July 22. “The LEGACY of OSU RB’s is so much bigger than one RECRUIT. I hope the kid has a GREAT career, because OSU will continue to be GREAT. #NextManUP 🌰”

Given DDG’s potential and OSU’s relentless effort to get him, the loss is undoubtedly a disappointment for Ryan Day and his staff. But Bentley, the 2001 Rimington Trophy winner, believes it won’t affect OSU’s ability to acquire great talent at RB. Since the 1970s, OSU has produced rushing leaders like Archie Griffin, Ezekiel Elliott, Eddie George, and more who not only helped the program to a title run but also have a legacy in the NFL.

Despite having the blueprint of turning an RB talent into a national champion and an RB coach like Carlos Locklyn, Ohio State lost DDG only because it prioritized the Buckeye standard. Ryan Day refused to offer a guaranteed spot to DDG, as in Columbus every Buckeye has to earn it through capability. That’s where the Vols win the game.

Though many view it as a loss because of NIL. In fact, multiple reports confirmed Tennessee’s chance of landing DDG before the decision came only because they were ready to offer a paycheck higher than OSU’s. Surely, in DDG’s recruitment, money matters, as his expectation of around $1M to $2M was already public. But the main factor behind OSU’s loss is a promise, which the Vols offered.

The Buckeyes offered resources, coaching, an NFL path, and winning tactics but not an RB1 position. If you want to be a Buckeye, you have to understand the difference between guaranteed opportunity and guaranteed outcome. Without any competition, getting a starting position at OSU is going against the grain. Here players like Bo Jackson, the 2025 leading rusher, had to earn it, and that won’t change for the nation’s No. 2 RB.

So OSU prioritized respecting their standard rather than giving DGG a discount without going through the process like everybody else. That ultimately led the Buckeye to lose the RB, who built differently. “Now, he is headed to Tennessee, and they have nothing to show for it at running back,” wrote Lettermen Row’s Mick Walker.

The Vols have secured the nation’s No. 2 RB, leaving Ohio State’s 2027 class empty at the position. Now OSU has to start its hunt for another key piece, and Bentley believes his alma mater has all the tools to get that.

Does Ohio State have enough selling points?

OSU’s RB legacy can tempt a top-tier RB talent like DDG. But the Buckeyes aren’t ready to offer an RB1 position, which the Vols took at the drop of a hat. Still, the 2027 RB prospect didn’t hold back to express his excitement following his OSU OV. “They really want me to be a Buckeye,” said DDG to Rivals.

“At one point, all the staff were there, and I had to introduce myself to the staff and everyone else there,” said DDG to Lettermen Row. “I just told them where I’m from, Canada, and everybody was really supportive. They made me speak French for everyone, so it was nice. It was pretty fun.”

OSU’s treatment stood out to the 5-star RB, and even his uncle Jean Agenor accepted Ohio State’s rich RB history, speaking to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, stating, “Ohio State would remain Ohio State. Tennessee may not be Ohio State the next 10 to 15 years.”

But NIL and playing time became the resistance to OSU to secure DDG. Despite having a chance to lose Bo Jackson to the portal if OSU lands DDG, the program remained active only because Day wants to carry the RB legacy. For now, their plan won’t work. However, hope for the best, and let’s see who would be OSU’s next target at RB.