BREAKING NEWS: Oklahoma Sooners Recruiting Intel Latest from top 2026 EDGE prospect, tight end targets…..
The biggest recruiting headline for Oklahoma’s Class of 2026 is the commitment from elite EDGE rusher Jake Kreul, one of the nation’s most coveted defensive prospects in this cycle. Kreul — a 6-3, 230-pound pass-rusher out of IMG Academy (Fla.) — chose **the Oklahoma Sooners over major programs including Texas and Ole Miss**, giving OU one of its highest-ranked defensive signees of the cycle. ([247Sports][1])
Kreul’s game profile speaks to his ability to be a disruptive force at the collegiate level: he combines excellent technique with strong motor and pass-rush moves that allow him to win reps in multiple ways. He showed his elite talent on the national stage with an impact performance in the Under Armour All-America Game, where he notched sacks and pressures against other top recruits. ([SI][2])
As one of Oklahoma’s top defensive leaders in the 2026 class, Kreul immediately elevates the Sooners’ pass-rush outlook — a critical need as the team transitions further into SEC competition where pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be paramount. While other edge prospects like Dane Bathurst (EDGE) are also signed, Kreul’s projection as an early contributor and potential future NFL Draft talent makes him the cornerstone of OU’s defensive recruiting haul. ([On3][3])
On the offensive side, the Sooners have been proactive in addressing the tight end group — a position that’s drawn renewed focus after Oklahoma’s recent coaching changes and strategic emphasis on maximizing mismatch weapons. ([Reuters][4])
Ryder Mix — A 6-4, 220-lb prospect from Frisco, Texas, ranked among the nation’s respected tight ends in the 2026 class. Mix offers quickness, route ability, and receiving instincts, traits that project well in today’s spread offenses. ([SI][5])
Tyler Ruxer— Another 6-4, 220-lb tight end from Indiana, bringing size, catch ability, and positional versatility to Oklahoma’s roster. Together, Mix and Ruxer solidify a young TE room with both blocking and receiving upside. ([SI][5])
These additions come as the Sooners look to retool the tight end depth chart following veteran departures — most notably the transfer of Kaden Helms to Minnesota — and following internal coaching shifts. ([The Daily Gopher][6])
Moreover, Oklahoma recently added Jason Witten, the former NFL star tight end, to its coaching staff as the new tight ends coach. Witten’s hiring signals a renewed emphasis on developing the position, giving Oklahoma’s young 2026 tight ends strong mentorship from one of the most prolific pass-catchers in NFL history. ([Reuters][4])
While Oklahoma’s 2026 class is not universally lauded as a top-3 group nationally, the Sooners have strategically hit key areas: defense (anchored by Kreul), offensive skill talent, and now increased TE support. National rankings typically place OU’s class within or near the top 20, with edge rusher Jake Kreul consistently touted as the top defensive prospect for the Sooners. ([ESPN.com][7])
Oklahoma will continue working the trail into spring and summer. The focus remains on building sustainable depth — especially on the defensive front and in the tight end room — while also exploring transfer portal additions to complement their high school commits.
✨ Bottom line: Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting cycle just got a major boost with the commitment of top EDGE Jake Kreul, and the Sooners are surrounding that impact defender with offense-friendly TE additions and position-group coaching upgrades — signaling a well-rounded approach as they build for the future.