COMMIT: Oklahoma lands physical and versatile 2026 offensive lineman Deacon Schmitt
Oklahoma has officially secured a commitment from Deacon Schmitt, a rising 2026 offensive lineman whose blend of physicality, versatility, and football IQ has made him one of the most sought-after linemen in the Midwest. Schmitt, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound mauler from Ohio, announced his commitment Saturday afternoon, choosing the Sooners over offers from Michigan, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Tennessee.
“Oklahoma felt like home from the start,” Schmitt said. “The culture, the player development, the vision — I believe this is where I can become the best version of myself.”
Schmitt plays both guard and tackle at the high school level, but projects as an interior lineman at the collegiate level. Known for his nasty streak, violent hands, and relentless motor, he is currently ranked a Top-15 offensive lineman nationally by 247Sports and a Top-150 overall prospect in the 2026 class.
His junior season tape shows a rare ability to:
- Finish blocks with power
- Anchor in pass protection against elite edge rushers
- Pull and drive in zone and gap schemes
- Play with smart leverage and field awareness
A multi-sport athlete who also competes in wrestling and track & field, Schmitt brings elite functional strength and athleticism to an Oklahoma offensive line room already trending upward.
Under offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, Oklahoma continues to emphasize flexible, high-upside linemen who can adapt to multiple schemes — and Schmitt checks every box.
He’ll likely begin as a guard but has the frame and footwork to transition outside if needed. With OU’s offensive style built on tempo, balance, and interior dominance, Schmitt could become a multi-year starter and anchor the unit by his sophomore or junior year.
“Deacon’s tape doesn’t lie,” one recruiting analyst said. “He’s physical, polished, and plays like a guy who could see the field early at OU.”
Schmitt’s commitment gives Brent Venables and the Sooners an important early victory in the 2026 recruiting cycle, particularly in the Midwest — a region OU has been targeting more aggressively. With his pledge, Oklahoma continues to build a foundation of tough, developmental linemen who can hold up in both SEC and playoff-level trenches.
The Sooners now have four early commits in the 2026 class, with Schmitt joining:
- Tyree Johnson – 4⭐️ CB, Texas
- Jaxon Hill – 4⭐️ WR, Oklahoma
- Kane Maddox – 3⭐️ TE, Missouri
The class is expected to climb in national rankings as summer visits and camps continue.
In a sport where championships are won in the trenches, Deacon Schmitt’s commitment to Oklahoma is a major piece to a bigger puzzle. His mentality, technique, and toughness align perfectly with what the Sooners are building — a battle-ready SEC roster with national championship ambition.
Boomer Sooner — and welcome to the wall up front, Deacon.
