Oklahoma football recruiting: The 10 highest-rated signees in Sooners modern history as 2025 cycle concludes
The Oklahoma Sooners football program has long been a powerhouse in college football, and one of the major driving forces behind that success has been its ability to recruit top-tier talent year after year. From Heisman winners to NFL draft picks, Oklahoma has consistently attracted some of the best players in the country, many of whom have gone on to make their mark at the collegiate level and beyond.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle comes to a close, it’s an ideal time to reflect on the players who have shaped the trajectory of the Sooners’ program. Over the years, Oklahoma has secured commitments from numerous five-star and four-star athletes, each bringing unique talent and potential to the team. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 highest-rated signees in the Sooners’ modern recruiting history, examining how they contributed to the program’s success and what made their recruiting process so significant.
10. Adrian Peterson (2004) – Running Back – No. 1 Overall Recruit
Arguably one of the most iconic recruits in Oklahoma history, Adrian Peterson came to Norman in 2004 as the No. 1 overall recruit in the country according to most major recruiting services. Peterson’s combination of size, speed, and vision made him an instant star. During his time at Oklahoma, Peterson was a game-changer, winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back and leading the Sooners to a national title game appearance. Peterson’s explosive career with the Sooners set the tone for a legacy that would carry him to the NFL, where he became one of the league’s all-time greats.
Peterson’s recruitment was highly publicized, and his decision to sign with the Sooners was seen as a significant win for head coach Bob Stoops. Peterson’s time at Oklahoma was marked by numerous records and achievements, including an impressive 1,925 yards and 15 touchdowns in his freshman season. Peterson was truly one of the greatest to ever wear a Sooners uniform.
9. Bob Stoops (1979) – Quarterback – No. 2 Nationally
While Bob Stoops may not have been a quarterback for Oklahoma when he was initially recruited, his time at Oklahoma was pivotal in shaping the modern era of Sooners football. Stoops went on to become Oklahoma’s head coach in 1999 and helped the program secure national championships and multiple conference titles. But it was during his playing days as a young quarterback that Stoops made a significant impact by helping Oklahoma win key games while rebuilding the program.
The former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback turned coach made legendary connections to Oklahoma coaches and solidified the state’s connection to the school for future years.
