Oklahoma Sooners Lead Race for Top Alabama Safety Recruit

With a top-ranked class and momentum on their side, the Sooners are closing in on a key defensive target who could elevate their 2027 secondary.

The Oklahoma Sooners are already sitting atop the 2027 recruiting rankings, and they’re not showing any signs of slowing down. Now, they’re turning their attention to four-star safety Jaylen Scott - and if the current momentum holds, it looks like Oklahoma might just be in the driver’s seat to land one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the class.

Scott, a standout from Mobile, Alabama, reopened his recruitment in early December after decommitting from Auburn. The Tigers, who recently made a coaching change - parting ways with Hugh Freeze and bringing in Alex Golesh - have seen some shakeup on the recruiting trail, and Scott’s decision appears to be part of that ripple effect.

Oklahoma, meanwhile, has been in on Scott for a while. The Sooners offered him back in August of 2025 and have stayed persistent in their pursuit.

That effort seems to be paying off. Recruiting analysts Chad Simmons and Sam Spiegelman both recently logged predictions favoring Oklahoma, a strong signal that the Sooners are trending in the right direction here.

And the interest is mutual. Scott announced he’ll be making a visit to Norman on March 7 - a key date in this recruitment that could go a long way in sealing the deal. Visits like this are where relationships get solidified, visions get pitched, and decisions start to crystallize.

As a player, Scott brings a lot to the table. At 6-foot, 165 pounds, he’s a versatile defensive back who can line up in multiple spots.

He’s primarily a safety, but he’s shown he can hold his own at outside corner as well. What jumps off the tape is his range and ball-tracking ability - he’s the kind of guy who can flip the field with a timely pick or break up a deep shot with textbook positioning.

He’s also not afraid to come downhill and make a tackle, showing physicality and effort in run support that coaches love to see from a safety.

In Brent Venables’ defense - which thrives on speed, versatility, and creating chaos - Scott looks like a natural fit. He has the instincts and athleticism to patrol the deep middle, and the ability to make plays on the football is exactly what this scheme demands from its safeties. He’s not just a coverage guy; he’s a playmaker.

Recruiting rankings back up the hype. According to 247Sports, Scott is the No. 10 safety and the No. 113 overall player in the 2027 class.

He’s a consensus four-star prospect across all major services and holds offers from 14 Power Four programs. That kind of attention speaks volumes about his talent and upside.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his recruiting profile:

Jaylen Scott - Recruiting Profile

  • Position: Safety
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Weight: 165 lbs
  • Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Ratings Across Major Recruiting Services:

  • 247Sports: 4⭐ | No. 113 overall | No. 10 safety | No. 4 in Alabama
  • ESPN: 4⭐ | No. 183 overall | No. 16 safety | No. 8 in Alabama
  • Rivals: 4⭐ | No. 254 overall | No. 27 safety | No. 9 in Alabama
  • 247Sports Composite: 4⭐ | No. 153 overall | No. 16 safety | No. 5 in Alabama
  • Rivals Industry: 4⭐ | No. 151 overall | No. 15 safety | No. 5 in Alabama

With a visit to Oklahoma on the horizon and the Sooners pushing hard, this recruitment is heating up - and fast. If Brent Venables and his staff can close the deal, Scott would be another blue-chip addition to a 2027 class that's already loaded with talent. And if you're a Sooners fan, that No. 1 ranking might not be going anywhere anytime soon.