Oklahoma is making an early push for one of the top tight ends in the 2028 class, and the Sooners may already have some momentum.
The target is four-star prospect Ridge Janes, a St. Louis native ranked as the No. 8 tight end in his class. His offer sheet already includes Missouri, Ohio State, Alabama and LSU, so the competition is very much real even this early in the process.
Still, Rivals recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong thinks Oklahoma has positioned itself well with Janes and Jason Witten leading the way at tight end.
"No. 8 tight end in the country, Ridge Janes will be at Oklahoma on Halloween," Wiltfong said via the "Wiltfong Whiparound for Rivals on YouTube."He's got a big list of schools, but I think Oklahoma's closer to the top of that list."
That visit to Norman gives the Sooners a chance to make a strong first impression on a player who already has major programs circling. Wiltfong’s read suggests Oklahoma is not just involved - it has moved itself near the top tier of Janes’ options.
It also says plenty about how Oklahoma is attacking recruiting under Jim Nagy. The Sooners are working ahead of the curve, trying to build relationships with elite prospects long before the race gets crowded and the stakes get louder.
Witten’s presence could matter here, too. He brings a decorated playing résumé and NFL experience to a position Oklahoma has prioritized after struggling to get steady production from its tight ends.
If the Sooners can land Janes, it would be an early win for both Witten and Oklahoma’s new recruiting approach. The process is still in its early stages, but getting him to campus and pushing toward the top of his list would be a meaningful step.
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