Oklahoma Wraps Up 2026 Recruiting Class with Surprise Addition, Finishes Top 15 Nationally
While the spotlight in college football recruiting has recently shifted to the 2027 class and the ever-chaotic Transfer Portal, Oklahoma quietly wrapped up its 2026 recruiting cycle in a way that deserves some attention. National Signing Day brought one final surprise for the Sooners, as they added three-star cornerback Lebron Bauer to officially close out their 25-man class.
With Bauer’s commitment, Oklahoma finishes with the No. 15 recruiting class in the country and ranks No. 7 in the SEC, according to the 247Sports Composite. The bulk of the class signed during the Early Signing Period in December, and most are already on campus preparing for spring ball. Let’s take a closer look at the full 2026 haul - a group that blends high-upside talent with key positional depth - and break down what each player brings to the table.
Headliners of the Class
Jake Kreul is the crown jewel of Oklahoma’s 2026 class. The five-star edge rusher, ranked No. 72 overall and No. 9 at his position by 247Sports Composite, has the kind of explosiveness and frame that could earn him immediate reps as a freshman. He’s the type of player who doesn’t just fill a roster spot - he changes the ceiling of your defense.
Jonathan Hatton Jr. gave OU fans a bit of a rollercoaster, initially committing before flipping to Texas A&M - only to circle back and sign with the Sooners just a week before signing day. Ranked No. 81 overall and the No. 4 running back in the class, Hatton is a dynamic runner who could be a future feature back in Norman.
Bowe Bentley, the No. 7 quarterback in the class, was a priority for offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle from the jump. Even before Bentley cracked the top 100, Arbuckle had him circled. The Sooners won a key recruiting battle over LSU to land him, and while he’s likely to sit behind John Mateer in 2026, Bentley is clearly being groomed as the future QB1.
Offensive Playmakers and Protectors
Jayden Petit, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver, flipped from Wisconsin to become the top pass-catching addition in the class. He’s the No. 29 receiver in the nation and brings a big frame and vertical threat to OU’s receiving corps.
Deacon Schmitt already looks the part of an SEC lineman at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds. Ranked as the No. 19 interior offensive lineman, he’s one of two big-bodied trench players the Sooners added on the interior.
Tyler Ruxer, the No. 14 tight end in the class, could help end OU’s recent run of tight ends who never quite panned out. With former NFL great Jason Witten now coaching the position, Ruxer’s development will be one to watch.
Noah Best, another interior lineman, comes in at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds and chose Oklahoma over a who’s who of in-state Texas programs. He’s ranked No. 38 at his position and adds more size and strength to the offensive front.
Wide Receiver Room Reload
OU’s receiver group for 2026 ended up stronger than expected, thanks to some loyalty and late flips.
Daniel Odom, the No. 60 wideout, stuck with the Sooners throughout the process even as other receivers came and went. His consistency and route-running make him a steady addition.
Jahsiear Rogers, the No. 51 receiver in the class and Delaware’s top prospect, flipped to OU after a coaching change at Penn State. He brings speed and shiftiness to the slot.
Defensive Versatility and Depth
Derrick Johnson II, the last cornerback signed before Jay Valai left for the NFL, is ranked No. 34 at his position. He’s a physical, press-man corner who could see early playing time.
Jacob Curry is a hybrid defender listed as a safety, but he may end up at Oklahoma’s “cheetah” position - a versatile role in Brent Venables’ defense. He’s ranked No. 31 among safeties.
Kristan Moore is one of the more intriguing defensive additions. With just one Power Four offer - from OU - he could be a hidden gem. Originally committed to North Alabama, Moore has the kind of under-the-radar profile that Venables loves to develop.
Niko Jandreau, twin brother of linebacker Beau Jandreau, is another versatile piece. Primarily a safety, Niko could also see time at cheetah, depending on how his skill set evolves.
Markel Ford flipped from SMU and is ranked No. 75 among safeties. He brings range and athleticism to the secondary.
Front Seven Reload
Matthew Nelson (No. 47 edge rusher) and Daniel Norman (No. 57) add depth and upside to the edge group behind Kreul. Nelson, in particular, already has the size at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds to compete in the SEC.
Brian Harris, the No. 67 defensive lineman in the class, had offers from several national powers before choosing the Sooners. He adds strength and rotational depth to the defensive front.
James Carrington, ranked No. 85 among defensive linemen, flipped from Florida State and could be a developmental piece with upside.
Dane Bathurst, previously committed to Duke, is another edge rusher (No. 53) who joined the class just before the Early Signing Period.
Tight Ends, Linebackers & Specialists
Ryder Mix, the No. 50 tight end in the class, joins Ruxer as part of the first group to develop under Jason Witten from day one. That’s a big deal for a position that’s been inconsistent in recent years.
Beau Jandreau, the other half of the twin package, is ranked No. 78 among linebackers and brings a high IQ and motor to the second level of the defense.
Trace Rudd, a five-star specialist according to Kohl’s Kicking, gives Oklahoma a top-tier kicking prospect - and while that might not grab headlines, it’s the kind of addition that wins you close games in November.
The Signing Day Surprise
Lebron Bauer, a three-star cornerback from Allen High School in Texas, was the lone addition on National Signing Day. He had been flying under the radar but ultimately chose Oklahoma as his first and only commitment. While he may not have the star rating of some of his classmates, Bauer comes from one of the most respected high school programs in Texas - and that pedigree matters.
Final Thoughts
Oklahoma’s 2026 class might not be the flashiest on paper, but it’s filled with players who fit what Brent Venables and his staff are building - tough, versatile, and coachable athletes who can grow into their roles. With a top-15 national ranking and a top-10 spot in the SEC, the Sooners added future starters across the board and may have found a few breakout stars in the process.
Now, with most of the class already on campus, the real work begins. Spring ball will offer the first glimpse of how this group fits into the future of Oklahoma football - and if early returns match expectations, this class could quietly become a foundational piece for the Sooners as they continue to navigate life in the SEC.