Linebacker Taven Epps and defensive tackle Deven Robertson announce commitments to the Sooners' 2027 class
In a significant boost to their already dominant 2027 recruiting efforts, the University of Oklahoma Sooners landed two highly regarded defensive prospects on January 10, 2026, during the prestigious Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio.
Linebacker Taven Epps and defensive tackle Deven Robertson both announced their verbal commitments to OU, further solidifying the program's No. 1-ranked class in the nation according to major recruiting services.
Under head coach Brent Venables, known for his defensive expertise, these additions highlight Oklahoma's aggressive push to rebuild a formidable front seven capable of competing in the SEC's rugged landscape.
Taven Epps, a consensus four-star linebacker from Tustin High School in California, brings elite athleticism and versatility to the Sooners' defense.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Epps has been a standout since starting on varsity as a freshman. His sophomore season in 2024 saw him rack up 38 tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, six pass deflections, and one interception over 10 games.
Building on that momentum, his 2025 campaign included 72 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, and eight pass breakups, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays both against the run and in coverage.
Ranked as the No. 102 overall prospect and No. 7 linebacker in the 2027 class by the 247Sports Composite,
Epps was initially committed to Texas in April 2025 but decommitted in November after reevaluating his options.
His recruitment drew interest from powerhouse programs like USC, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, North Carolina, Michigan, UCLA, Texas A&M, Miami, and Missouri.
Epps visited Oklahoma on October 25, 2025, during the Sooners' game against Ole Miss, and the program's emphasis on player development and defensive schemes resonated with him.
Recruiting analyst Greg Biggins of 247Sports praised Epps as "a jumbo athlete who runs well and plays a physical game," noting his comfort in space and potential as a dominant pass rusher in blitz situations.
This commitment marks Epps as the 12th pledge in OU's 2027 class, joining other four-star talents like offensive linemen Kaeden Penny and Cooper Hackett, wide receiver Demare Dezeurn, and defensive backs and linemen who are elevating the group's profile.
Shifting to the interior line, Deven Robertson adds much-needed bulk and tenacity to Oklahoma's defensive front.
Hailing from Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the 6-foot-0, 320-pound defensive tackle is a three-star recruit ranked No. 416 overall and No. 48 among defensive linemen in his class.
Robertson's junior year in 2025 was impressive, with 82 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, and eight quarterback hurries, earning him Mississippi 7A Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
His efforts helped propel Oak Grove to the second round of the state playoffs, demonstrating his ability to anchor a line and create opportunities for teammates.
Robertson's recruitment journey included unofficial visits to Miami, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma, with a late offer from Ohio State in October 2025.
Ultimately, he chose the Sooners over finalists like Texas A&M, Notre Dame, and Miami, crediting defensive tackles coach Todd Bates for his persistent pursuit and vision for Robertson's role in the program.
As the 13th commit in the class, Robertson becomes the sixth defensive player and third defensive lineman, complementing prospects like Krew Jones and Elijah Harmon.
His compact, powerful frame makes him an ideal space-eater who can clog running lanes and pressure quarterbacks from the interior.
These commitments underscore Oklahoma's recruiting surge under Venables, who has transformed the program into a destination for top defensive talent despite a challenging transition to the SEC.
The 2027 class now boasts 13 members, with a heavy emphasis on athleticism and depth along the defensive line and at linebacker—positions critical for success in conference play. This group now includes two five-stars, five four-stars, and six three-stars.
Epps' West Coast flair and Robertson's Southern grit represent a national recruiting footprint, flipping a former Texas commit in Epps and securing a regional standout in Robertson.
Looking ahead, both players have two more high school seasons to refine their skills before arriving in Norman, but their early pledges signal confidence in OU's trajectory.
As Epps told recruiting insiders, he's "all in" on the Sooners, echoing a sentiment that could propel Oklahoma back to national contention.
With the No. 1 class locked in early, Venables and his staff are laying the foundation for a defense that could dominate for years to come.
Fans in Norman are buzzing, and rightfully so—this duo could be the cornerstone of future SEC title runs.