Brent Venables snags Arkansas' top 2027 talent, Samuel Nelson, a dynamic edge rusher who will join his brother on the defensive line
The Oklahoma Sooners added another high-upside defensive piece to their already elite 2027 recruiting class, as three-star EDGE rusher Samuel Nelson from Bryant High School in Bryant, Arkansas, announced his commitment.
Nelson, widely regarded as the No. 1 prospect in the state of Arkansas, chose the Sooners over offers from Arkansas, Florida State, Kansas State, and others.
The commitment is particularly meaningful for the Nelson family, as Samuel will reunite with his older brother, Matthew Nelson, a freshman defensive end who is already on campus in Norman.
This reunion gives Oklahoma a ready-made support system for the younger Nelson while strengthening the defensive end room for years to come.
At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Samuel Nelson possesses the ideal frame for a modern edge defender. He brings quickness off the ball, good bend, and the athleticism to rush the passer while also setting the edge against the run.
As a junior in 2025, he recorded strong production with 47 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.
Scouting reports praise his motor, ability to chase plays sideline-to-sideline, and natural leverage when engaging offensive tackles.
While currently rated as a high three-star (with a 247Sports grade of 88 and composite ranking around No. 497 nationally), many evaluators see significant upside for him to develop into a rotational contributor or better under defensive line coach Todd Bates.
Nelson becomes the 21st commitment in Oklahoma’s 2027 class and the fifth defensive lineman/edge player, bringing the total number of defensive commits to 10.
His addition further bolsters a defensive front that already includes four-star DL Elija Harmon, three-star DL Sione Felila (who committed just days earlier), and four-star EDGE Krew Jones.
This latest pledge continues the strong momentum for Brent Venables and his staff. The class remains the No. 1-ranked recruiting group in the nation per the 247Sports Composite, even after a recent dip to No. 3 in the Rivals rankings.
With three five-stars (OT Cooper Hackett, LB Cooper Witten, and IOL Kaeden Penny) leading the way and a deep group of four-stars at key skill positions, the 2027 haul is shaping up as potentially the greatest in Oklahoma program history.
Coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and carrying high expectations into the 2026 season, the Sooners are capitalizing on their momentum to keep elite regional talent like Nelson, from staying in-state or heading elsewhere.
The emphasis on building through high school recruiting provides long-term developmental stability, allowing the program to use the transfer portal more selectively.
With several months still remaining in the cycle, Oklahoma will look to add more depth, particularly in the secondary and backfield.
Samuel Nelson’s commitment is another clear sign that Norman remains a premier destination for top defensive talent in the SEC era.