Tennessee football commit Gabriel Osenda previews his official visit, excited to connect with coaches, recruits, and experience Neyland Stadium energy.

Four-star offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda has been committed to Tennessee for just over a month, but his excitement for the future in Knoxville is only gaining momentum. The towering lineman from The Benjamin School in Florida is scheduled to take his official visit to Tennessee this summer, and according to Osenda, it’s more than just a chance to tour campus—it’s about deepening the foundation of a relationship he already believes in.

“I’m already all in with Tennessee,” Osenda said. “But this visit is where I can really feel the program in person again, connect with the staff face-to-face, and see what the next chapter of my life is going to be like. That’s important to me.”

With a growing national profile, elite athleticism at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, and offers from top programs including Alabama, Florida State, and Miami, Osenda’s commitment in April was a massive win for head coach Josh Heupel and offensive line coach Glen Elarbee. Now, as Osenda looks toward his official visit, he’s focused on taking the next step in his relationship with the Vols.

Building Trust With the Coaching Staff

Osenda cites offensive line coach Glen Elarbee as one of the biggest reasons he committed to Tennessee in the first place. The two developed a strong rapport during the early phases of Osenda’s recruitment, and that bond continues to grow.

“Coach Elarbee is real with you,” Osenda said. “He tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. And he’s shown me how I’d fit into his system—how I can grow technically, physically, and mentally.”

Elarbee’s track record developing offensive linemen for the NFL has impressed Osenda. He sees Tennessee as a place where he can compete early and learn under a coaching staff that has transformed the Vols’ offensive front into one of the SEC’s most respected units.

During the official visit, Osenda expects to sit in on position meetings, go through film sessions, and observe how Elarbee coaches his current group—something he believes will give him a glimpse into the day-to-day expectations he’ll face next year.

“Being there in person, hearing the language, seeing the vibe in the room—that’s what I’m looking forward to,” he said.

Connecting With Fellow Commits and Recruits

Another major draw of the official visit weekend? Building camaraderie with the rest of Tennessee’s 2025 class.

Osenda says he’s already formed bonds with other top commits through group chats and social media. But the official visit will mark the first time many of them meet face-to-face.

“That brotherhood starts now,” Osenda said. “We’re going to be going to war together next year. The sooner we build that trust, the better we’ll be.”

Osenda plans to spend time with four-star quarterback commit George MacIntyre, who has taken on an active leadership role in recruiting top talent to Knoxville. The two have spoken often about the future of Tennessee’s offense and how dominant they believe the 2025 class can be.

“George is a guy everyone respects,” Osenda noted. “He’s calm, confident, and he’s always pushing to bring the best in. I want to help him protect that pocket and give him time to shine.”

Several uncommitted targets are also expected on campus for the same weekend, and Osenda says he’ll be in full recruiter mode—selling his vision of what Tennessee is building.

“It’s not about flashy pitches. It’s about being real,” he said. “If you’re serious about winning and you want to be a part of something special, Tennessee is the place.”

Experiencing Neyland and Knoxville Again

Though Osenda has visited Tennessee before, this official trip will be his most immersive experience yet. He’ll spend multiple days in Knoxville, tour the academic facilities, meet with nutrition and strength staff, and attend team activities designed to show recruits what it’s really like to be a Volunteer.

“Neyland Stadium still gives me chills,” Osenda said. “The last time I was there, it wasn’t even a game day, and I could still feel that energy.”

He’s looking forward to visiting with Josh Heupel again and seeing the culture the head coach has built from the inside.

“Coach Heupel’s vision is clear. He believes in his guys and pushes you to be your best. That’s the kind of coach I want to play for,” Osenda said.

Family will also play a big role during the visit. Osenda’s parents will join him, and he’s eager for them to meet the staff, explore Knoxville, and get comfortable with the environment where their son will spend the next several years.

“They’ve supported me through everything,” he said. “It’s important to me that they feel like this is home too.”

Why Tennessee Won the Battle

Osenda had his pick of powerhouse programs across the country. So why did Tennessee stand out?

“Consistency,” Osenda said. “From the start, they made me a priority. They didn’t back off, they kept communicating, and they showed me love that felt genuine.”

He also emphasized the Vols’ upward trajectory, pointing to recent top-10 recruiting classes, NFL Draft success, and a renewed commitment to competing for SEC championships.

“There’s momentum here,” Osenda said. “This isn’t a rebuild—this is a program on the rise, and I want to be a part of taking it to the next level.”

He’s already familiar with Tennessee’s blocking schemes and sees himself thriving in an offense that blends tempo with power.

“They play fast, they play physical, and they need linemen who can move and think. That’s me,” he added.

Preparing for College and Staying Focused

With his commitment made and the official visit on the horizon, Osenda is now turning his attention toward preparation. He wants to arrive in Knoxville ready to contribute as soon as possible, even if that means taking a redshirt year to adjust.

“I’m in the weight room every day. I’m watching film. I’m working with my high school coaches to tighten up my technique,” he said. “My mindset is to be ready.”

He knows the SEC is a step up in every way—from the size and speed of defenders to the mental grind of the college game. But he’s embracing that challenge.

“I didn’t choose Tennessee to play it safe. I chose Tennessee because I want to be pushed,” Osenda said.

He’s also keeping his eyes on the long-term goal: the NFL.

“This is the place where I can develop and show I belong at the next level,” he said. “But first, I’ve got work to do here.”

Message to Vol Nation

As his official visit approaches, Osenda has a message for the Tennessee faithful who have already welcomed him with open arms:

“Thank you for showing me love from the beginning,” he said. “I’m coming to Knoxville to give my all, on and off the field. Let’s build something great.”

He promises to represent the orange and white with pride—and hopes his journey inspires future prospects to take a serious look at what Tennessee has to offer.

“This is more than football,” he said. “This is family. This is legacy. And I can’t wait to be a part of it.”