The Sooners land commitment from 4⭐️ TE Tyler Ruxer out of Lincoln City, IN. The 6’4 TE picks the Sooners over West Virginia, Purdue, Minnesota, Duke, and Northwestern.

The Oklahoma Sooners just added a major piece to their 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of four-star tight end Tyler Ruxer, one of the Midwest’s most versatile and sought-after offensive weapons. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound standout from Heritage Hills High School in Lincoln City, Indiana, announced his decision on Monday afternoon, choosing the Sooners over a strong group of finalists that included West Virginia, Purdue, Minnesota, Duke, and Northwestern.

The commitment comes as a significant win for Brent Venables and tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley, who have prioritized athleticism, versatility, and matchup advantages at the tight end position in OU’s evolving offensive system.

“I’m all in,” Ruxer said in a video posted to his social media accounts. “I’ve built great relationships with the coaches, I see what they’re building, and I know I can be a difference-maker in that offense. OU just feels like home.”

Ruxer is widely regarded as one of the most complete tight ends in the 2026 class, ranking among the top 10 at his position nationally and in the top 250 overall prospects, according to several recruiting services. He brings a hybrid skill set that has made him a nightmare matchup for defenders across Indiana high school football.

In his junior season, Ruxer caught 52 passes for 778 yards and 11 touchdowns while also playing on the defensive side of the ball. His ability to line up in-line, in the slot, or even out wide has caught the attention of scouts and coaches nationwide.

“He’s a modern-day tight end,” one Big Ten recruiting coordinator said. “He blocks like a tackle and runs routes like a wide receiver. You don’t find that combo very often.”

In addition to his size and strength, Ruxer boasts above-average agility and soft hands, traits that allow him to get open in traffic and turn short completions into chunk plays. He’s been clocked at a 4.7-second 40-yard dash and holds a 35-inch vertical, impressive measurables for a player of his size.

Oklahoma’s pursuit of Ruxer was intense and strategic. The staff made clear from the outset that he was a top priority, offering him early and bringing him to Norman multiple times over the last year. The program’s vision of using tight ends as focal points—not just blockers—resonated deeply with Ruxer and his family.

“They showed me how I’d be used in their system, not just as a traditional tight end but as a guy who can move all over the field,” Ruxer said. “It’s exactly the kind of offense I want to be a part of.”

With OU transitioning into the Southeastern Conference, landing high-upside athletes who can compete physically in the SEC trenches is crucial. Ruxer fits that mold and then some. His physicality and SEC-ready frame should allow him to contribute early in his career, especially in red-zone situations and short-yardage packages.

The Sooners have had recent success with tight ends, including Brayden Willis, who was a key playmaker in Jeff Lebby’s offense before declaring for the NFL Draft. Ruxer brings a similar skill set but arrives with even more raw athletic upside.

Ruxer credited several members of OU’s coaching staff with making a lasting impression on him during the recruiting process, but none more than Joe Jon Finley, Oklahoma’s tight ends coach and former Sooner himself.

“Coach Finley kept it real with me from day one,” Ruxer said. “He didn’t just talk football—he talked about life, leadership, character. I respect that. He’s someone I want to learn from.”

Finley, who played tight end at Oklahoma under Bob Stoops and has developed a reputation as one of the top recruiters at the position nationally, sees Ruxer as a future NFL-caliber player.

“He’s the full package,” Finley said. “We love his mentality, his toughness, and the way he competes. Tyler’s going to be a culture-setter in our locker room.”

Head coach Brent Venables echoed that sentiment, noting that Ruxer embodies the character and competitiveness they are seeking as the Sooners reshape their roster for the SEC.

“This young man fits everything we’re about,” Venables said. “He’s tough, he’s smart, and he’s a winner. He’s the kind of player who elevates everyone around him.”

Ruxer’s decision came after a series of visits to top programs across the Big Ten, ACC, and SEC. But it was his most recent official visit to Norman in late June that sealed the deal.

“My parents loved it,” Ruxer said. “They saw how the staff treats their players like family. The energy around the program, the facilities, the vision—it all felt right.”

Ruxer’s family, deeply rooted in Southern Indiana, has long emphasized education, integrity, and work ethic—traits that align well with Oklahoma’s approach under Venables. His mother, a former college basketball player, and his father, a high school coach, have been involved in athletics his entire life.

“They’ve always told me to find a place that fits my goals on and off the field,” Ruxer said. “Oklahoma checked every box.”

With Ruxer on board, Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class continues to climb the national rankings. He joins a group that already includes several four-star prospects, including dual-threat quarterback Zayden Norris, defensive back Tre Henderson, and offensive tackle Marcus Boone.

Ruxer becomes the first tight end commitment in the class, giving the Sooners a major weapon in the middle of the field and a cornerstone around which to build future offensive packages.

Recruiting insiders suggest the Sooners are targeting two tight ends in this cycle, with Ruxer being the clear top priority. His early pledge gives Oklahoma recruiting momentum as they chase other elite targets this summer.

“This is a foundational piece,” said recruiting analyst Greg Powers. “Ruxer is a guy other players want to play with. He brings toughness and leadership, and you can build a class around that.”

While Oklahoma has long had success in Texas and the Southeast, Ruxer’s commitment represents another win in the Midwest, a region Venables and his staff have targeted more aggressively in recent cycles.

OU recently signed several players from Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, showcasing their growing national brand and ability to out-recruit Big Ten schools on their home turf.

Ruxer’s high school, Heritage Hills, has a strong football pedigree and is known for producing tough, technically sound players. His commitment could open the door for other Sooners targets in the region, including top linebacker Keenan Ellis and wide receiver Treyvn Ward, both of whom visited Norman this spring

As he moves into his senior season, Ruxer says his focus is on finishing strong, staying healthy, and bringing a state title to Heritage Hills. He’s also already thinking about his next chapter.

“I can’t wait to get to Norman and start grinding,” he said. “I know nothing will be given. I’m coming in to compete, earn my spot, and help this team win SEC championships.”

His message to Sooner Nation?

“You’re getting a guy who loves football, loves to compete, and loves the University of Oklahoma. Let’s get to work. Boomer!”

With his combination of size, athleticism, maturity, and competitive drive, Tyler Ruxer is exactly the kind of recruit Brent Venables wants leading the charge into the SEC. His commitment is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a statement of intent.

Oklahoma’s future just got even brighter.