Eight Oklahoma Sooners 2026 football recruits crack the Rivals300, led by QB Bowe Bentley
Oklahoma's 2026 recruiting class consists of 24 signees, a solid haul that reflects the program's ongoing efforts to build depth and talent across the roster. While the class lacks any true 5-star prospects or top-100 national recruits according to the final Rivals300 rankings, it still features a respectable core of talented players. Eight of those signees earned spots in the prestigious Rivals300, highlighting the quality within the group despite the absence of elite blue-chip names.
Leading the way for the Sooners is quarterback Bowe Bentley, who checks in at No. 102 overall in the final Rivals300. Hailing from Celina, Texas, Bentley is a consensus 4-star prospect and stands as OU's highest-ranked commit in this cycle.
As a senior in 2025, he quarterbacked Celina High School to an impressive 14-1 record, showcasing his poise and production with 2,911 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions on an exceptional 76.5% completion rate.
Bentley's arm strength, decision-making, and ability to extend plays make him a key piece for the future at the quarterback position, especially as Oklahoma looks to develop the next generation of signal-callers in a pass-heavy offensive scheme.
Right behind Bentley is running back Jonathan Hatton Jr., ranked No. 123 nationally. Also a consensus 4-star recruit, Hatton measures 6-1 and 205 pounds, bringing a powerful blend of size, speed, and vision to the backfield.
His recruitment gained significant attention when he flipped his commitment from Texas A&M to Oklahoma on November 24, 2025, before officially signing his letter of intent with the Sooners just a week later.
Hatton's physical running style and receiving skills out of the backfield position him as a potential early contributor in what could be a dynamic Sooners ground game.
One of the most notable risers in the class is tight end Tyler Ruxer, who made the biggest leap among OU's signees by climbing from No. 333 to No. 168 in the final Rivals300.
An Indiana native, Ruxer is rated as a 3-star by 247Sports but now holds 4-star status from Rivals. Standing at 6-4 and 220 pounds, he brings prototypical tight end size and athleticism.
During his junior season in 2024, Ruxer hauled in 43 receptions for 893 yards and 12 touchdowns, demonstrating reliable hands and the ability to stretch the field vertically. His upward trajectory suggests he could develop into a mismatch nightmare for defenses in the years ahead.
On the flip side, edge rusher Jake Kreul experienced a notable drop in his stock, falling from No. 43 to No. 185 in the Rivals300. Despite the decline, Kreul remains a consensus 4-star recruit with an impressive resume from IMG Academy in Florida.
He participated in premier all-star games like the Under Armour All-America Game and the Polynesian Bowl, underscoring his elite potential as a pass rusher. Kreul chose Oklahoma over strong offers from Texas and Ole Miss during the summer, and his length, burst, and motor make him an intriguing prospect for the defensive line rotation.
Offensive lineman Deacon Schmitt cracked the top 200 for the first time, landing at No. 187. The 6-5, 320-pound prospect from Windsor, Colorado, brings massive size and power to the trenches. He selected the Sooners over offers from powerhouses like Tennessee, Alabama, and Ohio State, signaling OU's ability to compete for top linemen in key recruiting battles.
At wide receiver, Jahsiear Rogers stands as the lone OU signee from the position group to make the Rivals300, checking in at No. 230. A consensus 4-star from Delaware, Rogers flipped his commitment from Penn State to Oklahoma shortly after the Nittany Lions parted ways with longtime head coach James Franklin. His route-running savvy and playmaking ability add valuable depth to the receiver room.
Other notable Rivals300 inclusions include linebacker Jacob Curry at No. 259, who reached the top 300 for the first time. The 6-1, 208-pound prospect from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, holds 4-star status from Rivals (though 3-star from 247Sports) and brings sideline-to-sideline range.
Defensive back Derrick Johnson II squeezed into the rankings at No. 294, a consensus 4-star from Murrieta, California, who chose OU over options like Utah, Kansas, UCLA, and Washington.
Overall, Rivals ranks Oklahoma's 2026 class No. 16 nationally, marking it as the eighth-best in the SEC. In 247Sports' evaluations, the class sits at No. 15.
While not the flashiest group on paper, it emphasizes high-character players with strong upside, particularly at skill positions and along the lines.
The Sooners open their 2026 campaign against UTEP on September 5, providing an early opportunity for these freshmen to make an impact as the team navigates another challenging SEC slate.
With experienced returners and this fresh infusion of talent, expectations remain high for continued progress in Norman.