Recruiting hasn’t been a problem for Brent Venables and his staff since taking over in Norman. In fact, it’s been better than his predecessor. The Sooners have earned three top 10 classes in a row since Venables arrived, and it looks like they’re headed for another top 10 finish in the 2025 recruiting class.
The recruiting success and a 10-win season in 2023 have the Sooners off to a fast start in the 2026 Recruiting Class, already picking up three commitments. Interestingly enough, for the defensive-minded Brent Venables, Oklahoma’s three commits for 2026 are all blue-chip prospects on the offensive side of the ball.
The Sooners have pledges from running back Jonathan Hatton, tight end Ryder Mix, and quarterback Jaden O’Neal. Each prospect is considered a four-star player, so it is no surprise that OU has ESPN’s No. 2 class at this point in the 2026 cycle (ESPN+).
The Sooners’ past four four-star quarterback pickups have all come out of Texas, including 2023 signee Jackson Arnold. For the 2026 class, they have traveled a different path, pulling Jaden O’Neal out of California. Among the most physically talented QBs in the class, he could be the player to replace five-star Arnold if he meets expectations. O’Neal has a strong arm with a smooth release and also can adapt well and do a nice job of changing arm angles.
The Sooners returned to the familiar recruiting ground of Texas to land ESPN Junior 300 running back Jonathan Hatton Jr. He has a nice blend of size (6 feet, 205 pounds) and speed. As a sophomore, he rushed for more than 1,200 yards. – Craig Haubert, ESPN
There’s just under 18 months until the 2026 early signing period, but Oklahoma’s hit the ground running. They trail only Florida State and sit right in front of the USC Trojans. Syracuse comes in at No. 4 and Texas rounds out the top five.
There’s a long way to go, but if these last few years are any indication, the Sooners aren’t going to be slowing down anytime soon.
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