Oklahoma locked down a key piece of its offensive future on Wednesday, as four-star offensive lineman Noah Best made his commitment official by signing with the Sooners.
Best, a top-35 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class, has been on Oklahoma’s radar for a while-and for good reason. Ranked No. 34 at his position nationally and the No. 63 overall prospect in the state of Texas, Best brings size, versatility, and a physical edge that fits right into what offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh looks for in his trenches.
What makes this signing even more notable is that Best has been the longest-standing offensive line commit in Oklahoma’s current class. He gave his verbal pledge back in the summer and never wavered, a testament to the strong relationship he built with Bedenbaugh. That connection clearly paid off, and now the Sooners have a foundational interior lineman locked in early.
Oklahoma’s offensive line has had its share of ups and downs this season. The Sooners rank 83rd nationally in sacks allowed, having given up 24-ninth most in the SEC.
That’s not the kind of protection a program like OU wants to hang its hat on, especially in a conference as physical as the SEC. It underscores just how important it is to keep stacking talent in the trenches, and Best is a step in the right direction.
Looking ahead, the Sooners are expected to return eight of their top 10 offensive linemen. That’s a solid base to build from, but the transfer portal looms large this time of year, and nothing is guaranteed.
What is certain: Oklahoma will be without starting right tackle Derek Simmons and right guard Febechi Nwaiwu, both of whom are out of eligibility. That opens the door for new blood to come in and compete, and while Best won’t be on campus just yet, his arrival signals that the Sooners are actively reloading.
Noah Best may not be the flashiest name in the class, but he’s the kind of player who can anchor a unit for years. He’s tough, dependable, and already has a strong rapport with the coaching staff. For a team looking to reestablish dominance up front, this is exactly the type of signing that matters.