Oklahoma Wraps Up 2026 Recruiting Class with Surprise Addition, Finishes with Top-15 National Ranking
National Signing Day wrapped up with a little unexpected drama in Norman, as Oklahoma added one final piece to its 2026 recruiting class - three-star cornerback Lebron Bauer out of Texas powerhouse Allen High School. While most of the class had already signed during the Early Signing Period in December and is already on campus preparing for spring practice, Bauer’s late commitment added a final flourish to what’s turned out to be a strong haul for the Sooners.
With all 25 signees now official, Oklahoma finishes with the No. 15 recruiting class in the country and No. 7 in the SEC, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. And while it may not be a top-five class, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in Norman - this group is deep, balanced, and features a few names who could make noise early in their careers.
Let’s break down the full 2026 class, starting from the top.
Headliners and Immediate Impact Players
Jake Kreul is the crown jewel of the class. A five-star by ESPN and ranked No. 72 overall by 247Sports Composite, Kreul is the ninth-best edge rusher in the country.
He’s got the kind of twitch, length, and motor that could get him on the field quickly - even in a crowded defensive front. If there’s one freshman who looks primed to make an early impact, it’s Kreul.
Jonathan Hatton Jr. gave Oklahoma fans a bit of a rollercoaster ride, flipping to Texas A&M before re-committing to the Sooners just a week before signing. Ranked No. 81 overall and the No. 4 running back in the class, Hatton brings elite burst and vision to the backfield. He’s a home-run threat every time he touches the ball - and someone who could be a foundational piece of the offense moving forward.
Bowe Bentley, the No. 7 quarterback in the class, was one of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s early targets. Arbuckle’s belief in Bentley paid off, as the QB chose OU over LSU. With John Mateer likely holding down the job in 2026, Bentley could be the heir apparent - and the future QB1 in Norman starting in 2027.
Offensive Firepower
Jayden Petit, a late flip from Wisconsin, became the Sooners’ top receiver in the class. At 6-foot-4, he brings size and athleticism to the outside and ranks as the No. 29 wideout nationally. He was the top player in Wisconsin’s class before switching to OU - a big win for the Sooners’ receiving corps.
Deacon Schmitt is already built for SEC play at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds. He’s the No. 19 interior offensive lineman in the class and should provide much-needed depth - and possibly early competition - on the offensive line.
Tyler Ruxer, ranked No. 14 among tight ends, could be the one to finally break the trend of highly recruited tight ends not panning out in Norman. With Jason Witten now coaching the position, Ruxer has a chance to develop under one of the best to ever do it.
Daniel Odom stayed loyal through the ups and downs of the recruiting cycle and now stands as one of several receivers joining the class. He’s the No. 60 WR and part of a group that should mesh well with Bentley in the years ahead.
DeZephen Walker, the No. 29 running back in the class, chose OU over Nebraska - ghosting the Huskers before a scheduled visit. He rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in just nine games as a junior and brings a physical, downhill style to the Sooners’ backfield.
Defensive Depth and Versatility
Jahsiear Rogers, a top prospect out of Delaware and the No. 51 receiver in the class, joined the Sooners after decommitting from Penn State. His addition gives OU another vertical threat with strong hands and route-running ability.
Derrick Johnson II, the No. 34 cornerback in the class, was the last CB signed before Jay Valai left for the NFL. Johnson has the length and instincts that could allow him to follow in the footsteps of other OU corners who’ve made early impacts.
Jacob Curry is a hybrid defender - listed as both a safety and linebacker - and could eventually fill the “cheetah” role in Brent Venables’ defense. He’s the No. 31 safety in the class and brings the kind of versatility Venables loves to deploy.
Matthew Nelson, at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, is another edge rusher who already looks the part. He’s the No. 47 player at his position and joins a deep group of pass rushers in this class.
Daniel Norman (No. 57 edge), Dane Bathurst (No. 53 edge, flipped from Duke), and James Carrington (No. 85 DL, flipped from Florida State) round out a group of front-seven defenders who add both size and athleticism to the defensive line room.
Brian Harris, the No. 67 defensive lineman, had offers from several national powers before choosing OU. He’s a high-upside player with the tools to develop into a contributor down the line.
Markel Ford, the No. 75 safety in the class, flipped from SMU and adds depth to the secondary.
Xavier Okwufulueze, the lone in-state signee from Rejoice Christian School in Owasso, could be a late bloomer. He took time away from football to focus on basketball, but at 6-foot-5, he’s got intriguing physical tools.
Noah Best, the No. 38 interior offensive lineman, chose OU over a slew of Texas schools. At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, he’s another building block in the trenches.
Tight Ends, Twins, and Special Teams
Ryder Mix joins Ruxer as one of two tight ends in the class. He’s the No. 50 player at the position and will also get the benefit of developing under Jason Witten for the full length of his college career.
Beau and Niko Jandreau, twin brothers, bring versatility and football IQ to the defense. Beau is the No. 78 linebacker, while Niko - primarily a safety - could be used all over the field, including in the cheetah role. That kind of flexibility is gold in Venables’ system.
Kristan Moore is a bit of a mystery. With only one Power Four offer - from OU - and an original commitment to North Alabama, he’s the kind of under-the-radar player the Sooners hope turns into a surprise contributor.
Trace Rudd, a five-star by Kohl’s Kicking, rounds out the class as a special teams weapon. Whether it’s kicking, punting, or long-snapping, Rudd is considered elite at what he does and gives OU a reliable option in the third phase of the game.
Final Thoughts
This 2026 class may not have the flash of a top-five finish, but it checks a lot of boxes. There’s star power at the top, depth across key positions, and a handful of players who could see the field early. More importantly, there’s a sense of cohesion - a class built with purpose, not just prestige.
With most of these players already on campus and spring ball just around the corner, the next phase of their development begins now. And if this group lives up to its potential, Oklahoma might look back at this class as a turning point - a foundation for the SEC era in Norman.