Sooners secure top talent ahead of third season in the SEC under Brent Venables, earning No. 17 national recruiting ranking
The Oklahoma Sooners have once again demonstrated their prowess on the trail, assembling a 2026 class that has caught the attention of experts at ESPN. Ranked No. 17 nationally by ESPN's recruiting analysts, this group represents a strategic blend of high-upside athletes, particularly on offense and defense, as the program continues its adjustment to life in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
With a focus on versatility, speed, and physicality, Oklahoma's haul includes four commits from the prestigious SC Next 300 list, highlighting the depth and quality of the class.
ESPN's detailed breakdown, led by national recruiting analyst Craig Haubert, paints a picture of a class built around a star quarterback and bolstered by late flips and key defensive additions.
At the heart of Oklahoma's 2026 class is four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley from Celina High School in Texas. Haubert describes Bentley as "one of the top quarterback prospects in the country," emphasizing his dual-threat capabilities that make him an ideal centerpiece for the Sooners' offense.
Bentley's impressive arm talent, combined with his mobility and leadership qualities, allows him to improvise under pressure—a trait that could define Oklahoma's future attacks. His production on the field has been nothing short of stellar, and Haubert notes that Bentley's commitment provides a "dynamic player around whom to build" the entire class.
This quarterback anchor is crucial for a program like Oklahoma, which has historically thrived on explosive offenses, and it sets a tone of optimism for head coach Brent Venables and his staff.
On the offensive side, ESPN identifies running back Jonathan Hatton Jr. as the top prospect in the class. A late flip from SEC rival Texas A&M, Hatton's commitment was a significant coup for the Sooners. Standing at around 200 pounds with verified speed topping 21 mph on film, Hatton brings an "excellent blend of size and speed" that Haubert believes will translate immediately to the college level.
His ability to break tackles and accelerate through holes could make him a featured back in Oklahoma's ground game, especially as the team looks to establish a more balanced attack in the rugged SEC.
Complementing Hatton is wide receiver Daniel Odom from St. John Bosco in California, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound target praised for his length, polished route-running, and deceptive burst off the line. Odom's addition provides Bentley with a reliable big-play option, further strengthening the offensive core.
Defensively, the class shines with five-star defensive end Jake Kreul emerging as the top prospect. Hailing from Florida, Kreul's explosive first step, bend, and relentless motor have ESPN analysts buzzing about his potential for early contributions.
Haubert highlights Kreul as "a big boost to the class overall," noting that his skill set could see him "work his way into the mix in Year 1." This is particularly important for Oklahoma, which has prioritized bolstering its defensive line to compete against the powerhouse fronts in the SEC.
Another standout is Brian Harris, a 6-3, 280-pound interior defender from Florida, described as a "disruptive interior run defender with an impressive motor." Harris's ability to clog lanes and pursue ball carriers adds much-needed depth to the trenches, addressing a key area of need for the Sooners.
Beyond these headliners, Haubert points out that Oklahoma has "layered in a slew of signings along the offensive and defensive fronts," creating a well-rounded group. The class's No. 17 ranking reflects not just the star power but also the program's ability to attract talent from across the country, including Texas, California, and Florida. This geographic diversity underscores Venables' recruiting philosophy, which emphasizes relationships and development over mere rankings.
In an era where the transfer portal and NIL deals complicate recruiting, Oklahoma's stability in landing four SC Next 300 commits—elite players projected to make an impact at the Power Five level—speaks volumes about the program's appeal.
ESPN's overall assessment is positive, with Haubert suggesting that this class positions Oklahoma for sustained success in the SEC. While not in the top 10, the No. 17 spot is a solid foundation, especially considering the flips and late additions that elevated the group.
Challenges remain, such as integrating these recruits into a conference known for its physicality, but the blend of skill positions and linemen provides versatility. Looking ahead, if Bentley and Kreul live up to their billing, this class could be remembered as a turning point for the Sooners.
In summary, ESPN views Oklahoma's 2026 recruiting class as a strategic win, anchored by elite talent like Bentley and boosted by defensive standouts like Kreul. With Hatton and Odom adding offensive firepower, the Sooners are poised to climb the rankings in future cycles.
As Haubert aptly puts it, this group embodies the kind of "improvisation" and "relentless motor" that defines championship-caliber teams.
For Oklahoma fans, it's a reason to be excited about the road ahead.