The Oklahoma Sooners got off to a bit of a slow start to the year with their recruiting of the class of 2026, due to some staff changes at offensive coordinator and the realignment of their focus with Jim Nagy taking over as General Manager. However, they have picked up steam over the last few weeks, reeling in commitment after commitment. On Friday, the Sooners picked up another major one, as four-star defensive tackle Brian Harris committed to play in Norman. The four-star defensive tackle out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida, chose the Sooners over other blue bloods like Michigan, Alabama, and Penn State. Harris was named DL MVP of the Under Armour Next camp in Orlando this year after a terrific performance there. The 6’4, 290-pound defensive tackle is a toolsy athlete with good explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and long arms.
He’s played at both defensive tackle and defensive end in high school, but is likely to play inside for the Sooners. Given his body type and style of play, Harris is a perfect fit at the three-technique spot for the Sooners. He would slide right in behind Gracen Halton and David Stone. This is an important pickup for the Sooners, who needed to address the future of their defensive line in the 2026 class. After this season, both Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams will graduate. When that happens, Jayden Jackson and David Stone would slide right in behind them, but the Sooners currently have just two players with any eligibility behind them, and one of them is true freshman Trent Wilson.
Harris’s commitment also keeps the Sooners’ recent momentum in the class of 2026 rolling. He represents the third commitment to Oklahoma in the last ten days alone, an important start for the team as they look to make a strong push over the summer to rebound into another top-ten class. When it comes to college football recruiting, few things stir up excitement like a major upset in the recruiting world. And that’s exactly what happened when the Oklahoma Sooners landed a blue-chip prospect right out from under the noses of traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. The Sooners didn’t just win a recruitment—they made a statement. Let’s break down how Oklahoma pulled off this jaw-dropping win, why their 2026 recruiting class is catching fire, and what this means for the future of college football.
Oklahoma’s 2026 Recruiting Class Is on Fire
The star of the hour? [Insert Name of Prospect], a 5-star athlete ranked among the top 10 nationally by every major recruiting outlet. This kid has speed, vision, strength, and football IQ way beyond his years. Coaches were practically lining up at his door.
The Battle Against the Blue Bloods
It wasn’t easy. Oklahoma went toe-to-toe with the likes of:
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- USC Trojans
These schools have dominated recruiting headlines for years. But the Sooners outmaneuvered them, showcasing a renewed swagger and a well-executed pitch.
What Made Oklahoma Stand Out to This Star Recruit? The Brent Venables Effect
Building a Culture, Not Just a Team
Head Coach Brent Venables has been on a mission—not just to build a roster but to create a culture. Recruits are seeing Oklahoma as more than just a stop on the way to the NFL. They’re seeing family, mentorship, and purpose.
A Revamped Program with NFL Pedigree
Thanks to strategic staff hires and a more aggressive recruiting strategy, Oklahoma now boasts:
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NFL-experienced coaches
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World-class facilities
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A player-first development model
That’s a tough combination to beat.
What This Win Means for the Sooners Moving Forward
Momentum Is Everything in Recruiting
Recruiting is like dominoes—one big name commits, and others follow. The Sooners’ recent success is already turning heads among other top-tier prospects.
Early Commitments Lead to Class Synergy
By locking down stars early, Oklahoma builds camaraderie and chemistry before players even hit campus. That’s the secret sauce to creating a championship-caliber locker room.
A Closer Look at the 2026 Class
Depth, Talent, and Potential
This isn’t a one-hit wonder. The Sooners’ 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the most balanced and high-upside groups in recent memory. Positions of strength include:
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Quarterback
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Defensive Line
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Wide Receiver
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Offensive Tackle
Where They Rank Nationally
As of now, Oklahoma’s 2026 class ranks in the Top 3 nationally, according to multiple outlets. And with more top targets leaning toward Norman, that ranking could climb even higher.
Why Recruits Are Buying What Oklahoma Is Selling
NIL Strategy That Makes Sense
Unlike some programs throwing around flashy numbers, Oklahoma’s NIL strategy is sustainable and structured—giving recruits a clear picture of both short-term earnings and long-term brand building.
A Clear Path to Playing Time
Venables isn’t promising the world—he’s promising opportunity. If you earn it, you play. That level of transparency is rare and refreshing in today’s recruiting world.
Oklahoma’s Recruiting Team Deserves a Shoutout
Tireless, Tactical, and Tenacious
From position coaches to recruiting coordinators, the Sooners’ staff has been grinding behind the scenes. Every visit, call, tweet, and strategy has been part of a long game that’s now paying off big time.
The Ripple Effect on Other Recruits
Who’s Next to Commit?
With this major win, other top prospects are taking notice. Names to watch:
- [Insert 5-star Name] – Top DB in the nation
- [Insert Elite WR Name] – Already took an unofficial to OU
Peer Recruiting at Its Best
There’s no better recruiter than a committed player. These early stars are already hyping the program and pulling in others.
Reactions Across the College Football World
Social Media Exploded
When the announcement dropped, Twitter (sorry—X), Instagram, and TikTok lit up. Hashtags like:
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#BoomerSooner
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#OUDNA
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#ClassOf2026Takeover
…were trending within hours.
H2: Analysts Are Taking Notice
National recruiting experts are re-evaluating their rankings and predictions. Oklahoma is no longer a dark horse—they’re a front-runner.
What It All Means for the Big 12 and Beyond
A Power Shift in Progress?
Oklahoma is positioning itself not just for Big 12 dominance, but for national relevance in the post-SEC era. Yes, they’re building for the future—but that future might arrive sooner than expected.
Conclusion: Oklahoma’s Time Might Be Now
If you’ve been sleeping on the Sooners, it’s time to wake up. This recruiting victory isn’t an outlier—it’s a sign of things to come. Brent Venables and his team have cracked the code, and they’re coming for the crown.
The blue-chip commit is just the latest trophy in a recruiting run that could reshape college football for years. Watch out, blue bloods—Oklahoma isn’t knocking on the door anymore. They’ve kicked it wide open.
