Oklahoma’s recruiting staff is already looking ahead to 2028, and one of the names drawing real attention is five-star EDGE Jalanie George.
The Arizona native is ranked No. 9 overall in the country by Rivals Industry Rankings, and for now the Washington Huskies are sitting in the best spot. Rivals Prediction Machine gives Washington a sizable edge, and the Huskies have already made their NIL pitch. Auburn is also firmly in the mix.
Even with Washington in front, Oklahoma is not out of this one. Recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong reports that the Sooners are among the teams near the top of George’s list as he moves closer to a decision. Communication between George and Oklahoma has picked up, and the Sooners are trying to build momentum before he takes visits early in the season.
That makes this a live race, not a finished one.
For Brent Venables and his staff, George fits the kind of profile they want on the edge. Oklahoma has made its name as one of the nation’s stronger defensive teams, and adding another five-star pass rusher would only strengthen that foundation. The Sooners are trying to turn that defensive success into more recruiting wins, and George would be a major one.
The timing matters here, too. Washington has the lead, but George still has visits ahead of him and plenty of time before he chooses. Oklahoma is hoping to close the gap before that decision comes down.
If the Sooners can pull it off, George would give their 2028 class another elite building block and keep the defensive front stocked with high-end talent.
In Other News...
Oklahomas Backfield Concern Is Getting Harder To Ignore
Oklahoma spent a full-pads practice session at the OU Rugby Field trying to keep camp moving, even with a few players working through injuries and others in limited or no-contact roles. The setting still had the feel of a typical August tune-up, with coaches active across drills and new tight ends coach Jason Witten right in the middle of things, stressing technique and effort while the Sooners pushed through the day.
The more revealing part came in the backfield, where the running back group did not look fully settled physically. Sophomore Tory Blaylock dressed out but did not take part at full speed for much of practice, and freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr. appeared to be in a similar spot, leaving Oklahoma with another reminder that the position remains worth watching closely as camp continues. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahomas Running Back Battle Could Shape The Sooners 2026 Ceiling
Oklahomas push to raise its 2026 ceiling starts with a backfield that is still sorting itself out in fall camp. Under running backs coach Deland McCullough, the Sooners are working through a room that mixes familiar names and fresh arrivals, with returning runners Raleek Robinson and Eric Blaylock alongside transfer Jerrion Avant and freshmen Jalen Hatton and Jayden Walker.
It is the kind of position battle that can quietly shape an offense long before September arrives. Oklahoma knows it needs more production on the ground, and the camp evaluation now becomes about more than depth - it is about which combination gives the Sooners the best chance to find consistency when the games begin. [Read more 🡒]
