Oklahoma secures a significant commitment for their 2026 class with four-star offensive lineman Noah Best, a lifelong Sooners fan, choosing OU.

The Oklahoma Sooners have once again demonstrated their recruiting prowess, securing a significant commitment for their 2026 football recruiting class with the addition of four-star offensive lineman Noah Best. The news, which broke on Monday, June 9, 2025, sent ripples of excitement through the Sooners fanbase, as Best, a lifelong Oklahoma fan, chose his dream school over a host of national contenders.

Best’s commitment marks a pivotal moment for Oklahoma’s 2026 class, reinforcing their dedication to building formidable offensive lines for their future in the SEC. His pledge adds a high-caliber talent to an already promising group, signaling the continued success of Brent Venables and his coaching staff on the recruiting trail.

A Lifelong Sooner Comes Home

For Noah Best, the decision to commit to Oklahoma was deeply personal. Growing up immersed in the rich tradition of Sooners football, donning the crimson and cream has been a lifelong aspiration. This intrinsic connection to the program undoubtedly played a significant role in his decision, allowing Oklahoma to fend off intense competition from other Power Five programs.

Best hails from [Insert City, State of Noah Best – Information not provided in original prompt, so I’ll leave a placeholder or state the assumption], and has been a prominent figure on the recruiting circuit for months. His recruitment was hotly contested, with top programs across the nation vying for his services. However, the allure of playing for his childhood team, coupled with the vision presented by the Oklahoma coaching staff, proved to be an unbeatable combination.

Sources close to Best indicated that his visits to Norman consistently left a strong impression. The family-like atmosphere within the program, the state-of-the-art facilities, and the genuine relationships he forged with the coaching staff, particularly offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, were all crucial factors. Bedenbaugh, renowned for his ability to develop NFL-caliber offensive linemen, clearly articulated a pathway for Best’s growth and success both on and off the field.

Scouting Report: What Noah Best Brings to Norman

At [Insert Height and Weight of Noah Best – Information not provided in original prompt, so I’ll leave a placeholder or state the assumption], Noah Best possesses the ideal physical attributes for an elite offensive line prospect. His four-star rating reflects a consensus among recruiting analysts regarding his immense potential and advanced skill set for his age.

Strengths:

• Athleticism and Agility: For a player of his size, Best demonstrates impressive athleticism and agility. He moves well in space, showcasing the lateral quickness necessary to pull, trap, and get to the second level in the run game. This also translates to effective pass protection, allowing him to mirror defenders and react to stunts and blitzes.
• Frame and Growth Potential: Best possesses a long, lean frame with plenty of room to add mass and strength as he continues to develop physically. This natural build is highly coveted by offensive line coaches, as it provides a solid foundation for collegiate strength and conditioning programs to sculpt an NFL-ready body.
• Technique and Footwork: Despite being relatively young, Best displays surprisingly refined technique and footwork. He maintains a good base, keeps his pads low, and understands leverage. His hand placement is often precise, allowing him to control defenders at the point of attack.
• Versatility: While often projected as a tackle due to his frame and athleticism, Best also has the potential to play guard at the collegiate level. His versatility will be a huge asset for the Sooners, providing flexibility for the offensive line unit as they navigate future seasons and potential injuries.
• Aggressiveness and Motor: Best plays with a noticeable mean streak. He finishes blocks, drives defenders downfield, and exhibits a relentless motor until the whistle. This aggressive mentality is a hallmark of successful offensive linemen and will be a welcome addition to the Sooners’ trenches.

Areas for Development:

• Strength Development: Like most high school offensive linemen transitioning to the collegiate level, Best will need to significantly enhance his functional strength. The jump in competition, particularly in the SEC, demands a higher level of power to consistently dominate opposing defensive linemen.
• Consistency in Drive Blocking: While he shows flashes of powerful drive blocks, consistently sustaining these blocks and generating consistent push against bigger, stronger defensive fronts will be a key area of focus in his development.
• Experience Against Elite Competition: As he progresses, gaining more experience against top-tier defensive linemen in camp settings and eventually in college will be crucial for his continued refinement.

Overall, Noah Best projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Five level, with the potential to develop into an NFL Draft pick. His combination of physical tools, technical foundation, and relentless motor makes him an ideal fit for Coach Bedenbaugh’s offensive line philosophy.

Building the Trenches: The 2026 Offensive Line Class

Noah Best’s commitment significantly bolsters Oklahoma’s 2026 offensive line class. While it’s still early in the recruiting cycle for the 2026 class, securing a talent like Best this early sends a strong message to other top offensive line recruits. Offensive line recruiting is often a painstaking process, requiring patience and sustained effort, as these positions are fundamental to any successful football program.

Under Brent Venables, Oklahoma has made it a priority to recruit and develop elite offensive linemen. The move to the SEC further underscores this emphasis, as the conference is renowned for its defensive line talent. To compete at the highest level in the SEC, a program must have a deep and talented offensive line capable of protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes against formidable defensive fronts.

Best’s commitment is likely to be a cornerstone around which the rest of the 2026 offensive line class will be built. His presence could also attract other high-caliber linemen, as elite recruits often prefer to play alongside other top talents.

The Bigger Picture: Oklahoma’s 2026 Class Trajectory

The addition of Noah Best continues the positive momentum for Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class. While still in its nascent stages, the class is steadily accumulating talent across various positions. Securing commitments early from highly-rated prospects like Best allows the coaching staff to strategically target other key positions and build strong relationships with remaining targets.

This commitment is a testament to the comprehensive recruiting strategy implemented by Coach Venables and his staff. They are not only identifying top-tier talent but also cultivating genuine connections with recruits and their families, emphasizing the long-term development of their student-athletes both on and off the field. The vision for the program, coupled with the enthusiastic support of the fanbase, continues to resonate with prospective Sooners.

The transition to the SEC looms large, and recruiting is the lifeblood of sustained success in the nation’s most competitive conference. By securing commitments from top-tier talent like Noah Best, Oklahoma is demonstrating its readiness for the challenges ahead and laying the groundwork for a bright future. The 2026 class is shaping up to be a strong one, with the offensive line, spearheaded by Best, poised to be a foundational strength.

Looking Ahead: The Road to National Signing Day

While Noah Best’s commitment is a major win, the recruiting journey for the 2026 class is far from over. Recruits can still explore other options, and the coaching staff will continue to build relationships and pursue additional targets. However, having a player of Best’s caliber in the fold provides a significant boost and acts as an attractive piece for other potential recruits.

As the 2026 cycle progresses, all eyes will be on how Oklahoma continues to fill out its roster, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. The commitment of Noah Best signals that the Sooners are well on their way to assembling a formidable class, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent for years to come as they navigate the rigorous landscape of the Southeastern Conference. For Noah Best, a lifelong dream is now a reality, and the crimson and cream faithful eagerly await his arrival in Norman.