Oklahoma added its first defensive pledge in the 2028 class when four-star linebacker Jay Schell made his decision after a weekend visit to Norman.
Schell, who plays at Rabun Gap (Ga.) Rabun Gap-Nacoochee, picked the Sooners over Clemson, Michigan and others, he told 247Sports.
The visit sealed it. By Sunday evening, before he left town, Schell had already told Oklahoma’s coaches he was ready to commit.
"Obviously, OU's been a place I've really considered the last couple months, and it's gone back further than that," Schell told 247Sports. "It felt like home. There were other schools that were a great fit for me, but ultimately, I was able to cut it down based on scheme and best fit for me culturally.
"As far as a commitment, Oklahoma was just the best place for me. I just felt it in my heart.
My faith is big to me, so I felt like God made it clear Oklahoma was the place I was supposed to be. I felt it in my heart I was meant to be a Sooner."
Schell had been trending toward Oklahoma for weeks, but he wanted one more look with his family before making it official. His parents and sister joined him on the trip to Norman, and the group left convinced the Sooners were the right fit.
After meeting with linebackers coach Brent Venables on Saturday, Schell no longer needed time to think it over. He told his family it was time, and the commitment followed soon after.
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