Makenna Bellaire No. 2-Ranked American softball Player Commits to Oklahoma Sooners Over Tennessee, Florida State, and Other Offers

NORMAN, Okla. — The Oklahoma Sooners have struck gold again on the recruiting trail.

In a monumental win that reaffirms the program’s elite status, Makenna Bellaire, the No. 2-ranked overall player in the country, has officially committed to Oklahoma Softball, choosing the Sooners over fellow powerhouses Tennessee, Florida State, UCLA, and Texas.

The announcement, made Tuesday via Bellaire’s social media, immediately sent shockwaves through the softball world, as the explosive five-tool athlete becomes the centerpiece of OU’s already top-ranked 2026 class.

“I’m beyond blessed and proud to announce my commitment to the University of Oklahoma! I’ve dreamed of this moment, and I’m ready to chase greatness in Norman. Boomer Sooner!” Bellaire wrote.

A 5-star phenom out of Avon, Ohio, Bellaire is a dynamic middle infielder and leadoff terror who’s been tearing up national showcases since she was 13. Widely considered the best all-around player in the Midwest and one of the most polished high school prospects in years, she ranks No. 2 overall nationally by Extra Inning Softball and Softball America.

Her 2024 season stats are jaw-dropping:

• .574 batting average
• 16 home runs, 46 RBIs
• 39 stolen bases
• .998 fielding percentage at shortstop
• MVP of the 2024 PGF National Championship

Bellaire combines elite bat speed, lightning footwork, and field awareness well beyond her years. She’s drawn comparisons to Sydney Romero and Aliyah Andrews, with the quickness of a sprinter and the intensity of a national champion.

While Bellaire received offers from nearly every top Division I program, her choice ultimately came down to culture, development, and legacy.

“Oklahoma is just different. It’s about family, faith, winning, and building something bigger than yourself,” she said in an interview with FloSoftball. “Coach [JT] Gasso, Coach Knighten — they believed in me from the beginning. I felt seen, I felt challenged, and I felt at home.”

The influence of Associate Head Coach Shay Knighten — a former national champion herself — played a critical role in Bellaire’s decision. Sources close to the recruitment say Knighten and Bellaire built a “sister-like bond” during visits and calls.

Bellaire is expected to compete for a starting job as a freshman, with the potential to anchor the infield for years to come. Whether at shortstop, second base, or even center field, her athleticism and versatility give Oklahoma flexibility and depth at multiple positions.

Her speed and plate discipline make her a natural leadoff hitter, while her power gives her 3-hole potential — a rare dual-threat profile.

“She’s a game-changer. Day one,” said an opposing 18U Gold coach. “OU just got their next star.”

Bellaire is the crown jewel in what is now shaping up to be Oklahoma’s strongest recruiting class since the 2022 title group. The 2026 class already includes:

• Taylor Shumaker – OF (No. 3 overall) — recent flip from Florida
• Mia Torres – SS (Top-10, California)
• Sami Grayson – C (Top-50, Oklahoma native)
• Layla Daniels – RHP (Top-25, Georgia)

With Bellaire’s commitment, the Sooners now have four Top 15-ranked players locked in for 2026 — unmatched by any other program in the country.

The softball community exploded with praise for Bellaire’s decision:

• Amanda Scarborough, ESPN analyst:
  “Makenna Bellaire is a generational type of player. Her going to OU is like handing the Avengers another Infinity Stone.”
• Jocelyn Alo, OU legend:
  “BOOMER!!! Big-time player, even better energy. She’s gonna love Norman — and Norman’s gonna love her.”
• Extra Inning Softball:
  “With Bellaire, OU’s 2026 class moves to historic levels. This group is STACKED.”

Even as JT Gasso takes the reins from legendary coach Patty Gasso, Oklahoma’s dominance on the trail hasn’t slowed. In fact, it’s accelerated.

With Shay Knighten and Nicole May now in prominent coaching roles, the Sooners are blending past championship DNA with fresh energy — and it’s resonating with the top players in the country.

Bellaire’s commitment sends a clear message: The dynasty isn’t done — it’s just getting recharged.

Makenna Bellaire to Oklahoma isn’t just a commitment — it’s a statement. The Sooners continue to attract the nation’s best, not only because of their titles, but because of their unmatched culture and development.

With Bellaire joining an already elite class, the future in Norman looks as bright — and dominant — as ever.

Boomer Sooner, meet your next superstar.