Steelers snag Oklahoma Sooners safety Robert Spears-Jennings in the 2026 NFL Draft, bringing his explosive speed and downhill physicality promise immediate impact for Pittsburgh's defense
The Pittsburgh Steelers called the name of Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings with the 224th overall pick.
The 6-foot, 213-pound senior from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, becomes the latest homegrown talent to make the leap from the crimson-and-cream to the NFL, adding to a proud tradition of Oklahoma defensive backs thriving at the next level.
Spears-Jennings’ journey is pure Oklahoma grit.
A four-star recruit out of Broken Arrow High School, where he earned Oklahoma All-District 6A-I Safety of the Year honors as a senior after posting 56 tackles and four interceptions while also starring on offense with 36 receptions for 626 yards and eight touchdowns, he committed to OU and arrived in Norman in 2022.
He developed steadily under head coach Brent Venables, evolving from a rotational piece into a reliable starter in the secondary.In 2024, Spears-Jennings broke out as a full-time contributor, appearing in all 13 games with 11 starts and ranking second on the team with 66 tackles.
He added 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, one pass breakup, four forced fumbles (ranking eighth nationally), and two fumble recoveries. His physical, downhill style in run support and ability to create turnovers made him a fan favorite in Norman.
The 2025 season saw him start 12 of 13 games, finishing with 59 tackles (33 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception returned 37 yards, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
He delivered standout performances against tough SEC opponents, including 11 tackles and a forced fumble versus Ole Miss and eight tackles plus a 37-yard interception at Tennessee.
From an Oklahoma perspective, Spears-Jennings embodied the Venables defensive identity: tough, instinctive, and relentless.
A true home-state kid from nearby Broken Arrow, he represented the Sooner standard of developing local talent into pros. His speed stood out at the NFL Combine, where he clocked a blazing 4.32-second 40-yard dash, among the fastest times for any safety, showcasing the range and closing burst that scouts loved.
While his coverage metrics drew some questions, his run-defense grade and special teams potential made him a solid Day 3 value pick.
The Steelers, known for building a physical, hard-nosed defense, get a versatile safety who can contribute immediately on special teams while developing into a rotational or backup role in the secondary.
Pittsburgh’s scheme, which values versatile defenders capable of supporting the run and making plays on the ball, aligns well with Spears-Jennings’ strengths. A
t 6-0 and 213 pounds with elite straight-line speed, he brings the physicality to match up against tight ends and the athleticism to cover ground in deep zones.Oklahoma fans have every reason to celebrate this latest success story.
Spears-Jennings joins a long line of Sooner defensive backs who have found success in the NFL, proving once again that the program under Venables continues to produce tough, high-character players ready for the league.
From his roots in Broken Arrow to four years of battles in the Big 12 and SEC, he never backed down from competition.
The Steelers are getting a fast, physical safety with Oklahoma fight in his blood. Whether on special teams or in the defensive backfield, expect to see that familiar competitive fire when he lines up in black and gold.
Spears-Jennings is the fifth Sooner selected in this year's draft. Other include Kendal Daniels to the Falcons, with Gracen Halton going to the 49ers, Febechi Nwaiwu going to the Texans, and R Mason Thomas headed to the Chiefs.