COMMIT: Oklahoma lands Kohl’s Kicking five-star specialist Trace Rudd

COMMIT: Oklahoma clinches a rare five‑star coup in special teams, landing 2026 standout Trace Rudd from Blue Valley Northwest (KS). The 6‑foot, 185‑pound kicking specialist—already ranked among the nation’s elite by Kohl’s Kicking—stands among the first five‑star specialists OU has secured, signaling a shift in how the Sooners prioritize their special teams units .

Rudd arrived on campus during OU’s “Future Freaks” spring showcase in March, quickly building a strong rapport with special teams coach Doug Deakin. “Incredible day … team full‑go every play,” Rudd posted on X after the session, adding, “I was dying to get my cleats on and launch some balls. See you all again in June … GO BOOMER!” . That enthusiasm translated into an offer, extended just weeks later.

Rudd’s résumé is stunning. According to Kohl’s, at the 2025 Underclassman Challenge he scored 114.9 on kickoffs, 14 on field goals, and 99.45 on punting. At the December 2024 showcase, he scored 104.6 on kickoffs, hit 9/15 field‑goal drills, and logged a 92.11 punting score—all despite an ankle injury. Known as a lefty with “quick hips” and explosive leg power, Rudd routinely ranks among the top specialists nationally .

His profile on On3 lists Oklahoma as a top-team target—followed by Kansas, Iowa State, Nebraska—though no other Power-Five offer is yet listed . Rudd’s recruitment appears strategic: he prioritizes those who value specialists and have systems to develop them. He praised Nebraska’s special teams coaches for treating kickers as key assets—but ultimately felt OU’s transparent plan and confidence endeared him more .

Oklahoma’s special teams had struggled in recent years. In 2023, freshman kicker Zach Schmit hit just 12-of-18 field-goal attempts (.667), and several misses cost the Sooners in tight games. Though they added portal transfer Tyler Keltner, inconsistency remained a concern—even in wins like the matchup with Auburn, where field goals were tense until Keltner sat out with illness . The Sooners then hired Doug Deakin, whose early returns have been solid: Auburn’s punter Luke Elzinga averaged almost 48 yards per punt, and kickoff coverage tightened .

In that context, landing a five-star like Rudd is more than a badge—it’s a statement. OU is investing in kicking as a foundation for their offense and SEC ambitions. They’ve prioritized specialists in recent portal and recruiting moves (including five-star punter Liam Evans and portal signee Tyler Keltner) —but few have the raw fat of Rudd’s leg and elite ratings.

Rudd isn’t a run-of-the-mill kicker. Kohl’s ranks him top-30 nationally as both punter and kicker (#27 kicker, #73 punter), praising his 71-yard hang kickoff at 3.98 seconds, and perfect field goal showings at AZ Winter Showcase (15/15) . With a 3.65 GPA and background in high-level soccer (Sporting KC academy), he blends athleticism with academics—and projects high ceiling growth under OU’s tutelage .

His family’s support is evident. Rudd’s profile notes that they’ve pushed him “to be the best … in classroom, weight room, on field”—attributes OU looks to refine into consistent game-day results . He’s expressed excitement about playing in a boisterous stadium, under Friday-nights or 80,000-seat crowds—fitting OU’s SEC-transformed environment.

Rudd’s commitment fills an immediate need. With kicking inconsistency affecting momentum in close contests, and portal pickups not providing sustainable answers, Rudd gives long-term stability. In an era when offenses dominate, every field goal and punt matters—even more in hostile SEC venues. His trajectory makes him more secure than short-cycle portal solutions .

This pledge also signals a changing narrative. Traditionally, OU’s elite recruiting has focused on offensive and defensive prospects; specialists were reactive. Bringing in a top-30 Kohl’s prospect shows a proactive approach. Rudd’s success could inspire future top-tier specialists to choose OU—not as fallback options, but as pivotal contributors from day one.

From Rudd’s view, OU stood out early. He visited in September 2024 unofficially, then in March during Future Freaks—each time later saying OU “felt like home.” On3 noted he returned again June 1, describing how the practice environment energized him . That ongoing connection, echoing early rapport with Deakin and the coaching staff, provided OU a recruiting edge.

Others took notice. Among recruits at Future Freaks, Rudd posted highlight videos and snaps online—many praised how the specialist unit was integrated into full-team reps, ending practice surrounded by offense and defense during kicks . This level of inclusion resonated. If Rudd got excited on the DRONE and field environment, coaches knew he fit their vision and could raise the stakes for clutch situations.

BUt this could also have ripple effects beyond just OU’s special teams. Landing a 5-star specialist boosts the entire 2026 class reputation. OU’s pending QB, EDGE, LB, WR commits all gain from an improved special teams reputation—tight, organized kicking often decides close SEC and Pac-12 games. It sends an “all phases matter” message to other recruits .

From a roster perspective, Rudd arrives in a class already at 4+ top recruits, including QB Bowe Bentley and EDGE Daniel Norman. The addition of a specialist adds another diverse piece. OU’s 2026 class now hits edge, QB, OL, DL—and special teams. That balance is rare and valuable amid class-building cycles .

On the flip side, there’s pressure. Rudd isn’t college-tested, and Boone might redshirt him behind Zach Schmit and any transfer options. He’ll need to demonstrate calm under stadium noise and deliver consistently in games. Still, OU’s staff believes his mentality and talent align with their direction—and they’ve committed development resources to him .

Fans have reacted positively—On3 and Sooner Wire highlighted the move, and social chatter praised how OU “addressed kicking like a power program” . In Reddit threads, Sooner fans note “finally treating kicking with priority.” That cultural shift may matter in pressure-packed SEC matchups.

Rudd’s path remains early, but promising. He’ll train at summer camps, further develop technique and leg strength, and likely assume punting duties first before handling field goals. His kickoff strength already projects immediately. Over the next 12 months, OU hopes to turn raw potential into game-ready execution.

This is a wider trend nationally: more programs chase elite specialists. But few secure five-star prospects. OU’s success here sets a benchmark and could influence future cycles. If Rudd performs well, OU may become a specialist destination, recruiting consistently at this position group.

As of now, the Sooners’ special teams timeline is hopeful: two solids in place—Tyler Keltner (portal), Zach Schmit (carry-over)—and now a top-end freshman in Rudd. Competition breeds performance, and OU’s kicking depth is evolving into a strength.

Rudd’s story is compelling. Soccer roots, elite leg scores, academic discipline, and Midwest comfort meld with OU’s offensive tempo and special teams focus. When he arrives in Norman in 2026, he’ll join a program transitioning to SEC rigor—but with infrastructure built for specialist consistency.

Ultimately, this commit isn’t a minor add—it’s a cultural pivot. It elevates special teams, uplifts recruiting class shape, and aligns with Brent Venables’ vision of excellence in all three phases. Trace Rudd is the first elite specialist commit at OU—and carries the promise of redefining how big schools approach kicking specialists.