Tennessee offensive line signee Gabriel Osenda is making a strong impression during workouts at the Polynesian Bowl this week. Osenda, a five-star prospect according to 247Sports’ metrics, is one of Tennessee’s highest-rated signees in the 2026 cycle. There’s a ton of hype around him and his talent heading into his arrival on Rocky Top, and his tape at the Polynesian Bowl is showing why.
In a video posted to X by Rivals, Osenda is shown stonewalling 2027 five-star EDGE rusher Chris Whitehead. Osenda completely blocks off Whitehead’s initial move inside, and then keeps up the wall to force him out and around the hypothetical pocket.
Tennessee 4-star OT signee Gabriel Osenda vs. Elite 2027 EDGE Chris Whitehead👀
(via @CharlesPower)https://t.co/FOacXDA7tl pic.twitter.com/USoLMBdBuy
— Rivals (@Rivals) January 14, 2026
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Osenda, a 6-foot-7, 330-pound offensive tackle from the Baylor School in Chattanooga, is a monster prospect. He committed to Tennessee in January 2025 and was a key piece in helping assemble the Vols’ Top 10-ranked recruiting class with frequent visits to Rocky Top throughout the year.
247Sports has Osenda ranked as a five-star prospect, the No. 24 player in the class, the No. 5 offensive tackle in the cycle, and the No. 2 player from the state of Tennessee.
“Giant boulder-like tackle with devastating power in the run game that can also clamp down in pass protection,” 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins wrote about Osenda in November. “Clears traffic with his initial surge as he angles off defenders and generates plenty of movement with a burly upper half. Tall and naturally upright athlete, but one that works to establish leverages as he looks to forklift assignments with his sustained effort.”
Tennessee and head coach Josh Heupel identified Osenda early on as an impact player and were able to keep him within the Volunteer State.
“I think our staff did a great job here in-state,” Heupel said on Signing Day in December. “From the moment I got here, I said it was important for us to go recruit it the right way. It doesn’t mean that we take every player, but that we recruit it the right way. Able to sign the top defensive player in the state, Joel Wyatt, top offensive lineman and Gabe Osenda. Thought our staff did a great job here inside of the state of Tennessee and the bordering states as well.”
Osenda isn’t the only Tennessee signee who has put together some nice tape at the Polynesian Bowl this week. Tennessee linebacker signee Brayden Rouse was named the MVP of Day 2 of practices, which was highlighted by a nice interception in coverage.
Interception by Tennessee LB signee Brayden Rouse in 7on7 @polynesiabowl practice. Continues to look like one of the top cover linebackers in the 2026 cycle.
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— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) January 13, 2026
