Oklahoma Sooners are set to have one of the most important visits of the 2025 offseason as they prep for the 2026 class

The Oklahoma Sooners football program has long been a powerhouse in college football, known for producing top-tier talent, competing at the highest levels, and building a legacy of success that spans decades. As the Sooners prepare for a new chapter in their storied history with the transition to the SEC (Southeastern Conference), they face the added challenge of building a recruiting class that can thrive in one of the most competitive and physically demanding conferences in college football.

The upcoming 2025 offseason is poised to be a pivotal one for Oklahoma, especially as they turn their attention to their 2026 recruiting class. A crucial part of this process will be the recruitment of top-tier talent in order to build a roster capable of competing with the best that the SEC has to offer. Among the most important and highly anticipated events in this offseason will be a recruiting visit that could play a significant role in shaping the Sooners’ future.

1. The Importance of the 2026 Recruiting Class

Before diving into the specifics of the visit, it’s important to understand the broader context surrounding the 2026 recruiting class. In 2025, Oklahoma will have one eye on its immediate future and the other on the long-term goals of the program. The 2026 class represents the next generation of talent that will help the Sooners adjust to the new challenges and opportunities presented by the SEC.

For Oklahoma to remain competitive in the SEC, they will need to secure talent that is not only skilled but also versatile and ready to contribute at the highest level. This class will need to be filled with players who can thrive in a more physical, faster-paced conference. Recruiting in the SEC will require a different mindset, focusing on players who can handle the grind of the regular season and excel against some of the top programs in the country, including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas, all of whom are known for their elite talent and physical play.

2. Brent Venables and the Future of Oklahoma Football

As head coach of the Sooners, Brent Venables has been tasked with leading Oklahoma through a period of transition. Venables, who came to Oklahoma after a successful tenure as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, has a deep understanding of the game and a commitment to building a well-rounded, aggressive program. His focus on defense and physicality has been evident in his early years at Oklahoma, and it is a philosophy that will become increasingly important as the Sooners face stronger competition in the SEC.

Venables’ first full recruiting cycle in 2022 showed early promise, with the 2023 and 2024 classes helping to set the foundation for future success. However, the 2026 class represents his chance to truly put his stamp on the program and establish Oklahoma as a long-term contender in the SEC. Securing top talent in this recruiting class will be a crucial step in ensuring the Sooners remain competitive against the most talented teams in the country.

The Sooners are known for their potent offense and high-scoring games, but under Venables, there has been a greater emphasis on rebuilding the defensive side of the ball. Recruiting for both sides of the ball, but particularly on defense, will be a priority as they look to make their mark in the SEC. It is this recruiting philosophy that will guide the importance of the 2025 offseason visits for the 2026 class.

3. The Significance of Key Recruiting Visits

Recruiting visits are the lifeblood of college football programs. These visits offer coaching staff a chance to evaluate recruits in person, build relationships, and showcase what the university and football program have to offer. For prospects, visits are an opportunity to experience campus life, meet teammates, and get a feel for the program’s culture.

For the Sooners, the 2025 offseason is particularly critical because of the timing of the visits and the need to get a head start on recruiting for the 2026 class. These visits will allow Oklahoma to lock in early commitments from some of the best high school players in the country, particularly those who will be tasked with helping the Sooners transition into the SEC.

One of the key factors in making these visits successful will be the recruiting strategy that Venables and his staff employ. Building relationships, showing off facilities, and highlighting the program’s commitment to success in the SEC will be crucial. But perhaps most importantly, the coaching staff needs to convince recruits that Oklahoma is a program that can offer them the opportunity to develop, succeed, and make a major impact on the national stage.

A highly anticipated visit to Norman will likely feature some of the most sought-after prospects in the country, including players from top recruiting hotbeds such as Texas, California, and Florida. These recruits will be looking for a program that offers not only great football but also the resources and culture that will allow them to reach their full potential.

4. Targeting Top Talent: Key Recruits to Watch

While the recruiting landscape is always evolving, there are several key players in the 2026 class that Oklahoma will be targeting during their visits. These recruits represent both the future of the program and the players who will help the Sooners compete at the highest level in the SEC. Here are some players to watch closely:

Defensive Line

The defensive line is a critical area of focus for Oklahoma, especially as they transition to the SEC. Teams in the SEC are known for their ability to control the line of scrimmage, and to compete in the conference, Oklahoma must find top-tier talent for its defensive front. The Sooners are actively recruiting elite defensive line prospects, including players with the physicality and strength to disrupt the line of scrimmage and affect opposing quarterbacks.

One name to keep an eye on is Korey Thompson, a highly ranked defensive tackle from Texas. With his size, strength, and ability to plug holes in the running game, Thompson would be a perfect fit for the defensive front that Venables is looking to build. His visit to Oklahoma could be a key moment in securing his commitment.

Quarterback

Another area of focus for the Sooners will be the quarterback position, which is always one of the most important positions in any recruiting class. Oklahoma has been fortunate to have had some elite quarterbacks in recent years, and continuing that tradition is essential for sustained success. The Sooners have already extended offers to several highly ranked quarterbacks in the 2026 class, including Jake Ferguson from California. Ferguson is known for his arm strength, ability to read defenses, and leadership skills—traits that would fit perfectly in Oklahoma’s high-octane offensive system.

A visit from a quarterback like Ferguson could have a major impact on the Sooners’ offensive future, as they look to continue producing elite talent at the position.

Wide Receiver

Oklahoma’s passing attack has been one of the most potent in college football for years, and securing top-tier wide receiver talent is always a priority for the program. The Sooners have extended offers to several elite wide receivers, including Derrick Lawson, a standout from Georgia. Lawson’s speed, hands, and ability to make plays after the catch make him a game-changer who could make an immediate impact for the Sooners.

Landing a player like Lawson would give the Sooners a dynamic threat on the outside and help maintain the explosive nature of their offense as they transition to the SEC.

Linebacker

The linebacker position is always crucial for a defense, and Venables is known for developing elite linebackers who are quick, instinctive, and versatile. Oklahoma has been targeting several top linebackers in the 2026 class, including Caden Perry, a fast and athletic linebacker from Florida. Perry has the size and speed to cover ground quickly and make plays in both the run game and passing game.

A player like Perry would be a perfect fit in Venables’ defense, and a successful visit could go a long way in securing his commitment.

5. How Oklahoma Will Sell Their Program

Oklahoma has a lot to offer prospects, and the recruiting visit will be an opportunity for the Sooners to highlight everything that makes their program special. Here are some key selling points that will likely be emphasized during the visit:

• SEC Transition: Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC is one of the most exciting aspects of the program’s future. Recruits will be drawn to the opportunity to play in one of the most competitive conferences in college football. Oklahoma will emphasize the unique challenges and benefits of competing in the SEC, including the chance to face top competition every week.
• Coaching Staff: Head coach Brent Venables and his staff bring a wealth of experience to the table. Venables, in particular, has a reputation as one of the best defensive minds in football. Recruits will be excited by the opportunity to play for a coach who has a proven track record of success at the highest levels.
• Facilities: Oklahoma’s facilities are among the best in the country. Recruits will have the chance to see the state-of-the-art weight rooms, training facilities, and practice fields that will help them develop as players.
• Program Legacy: Oklahoma is one of the most storied programs in college football history. The chance to be a part of that legacy is something that recruits will find appealing. Oklahoma has a winning tradition, a passionate fan base, and a track record of developing NFL talent.