The Sooners 2025 recruiting class is virtually finished, so OU’s staff will focus its efforts on the future cycle.
After 5-star offensive lineman Michael Fasusi revealed his commitment to Oklahoma on Wednesday, the Sooners’ 2025 recruiting class is almost complete.
With 23 promises in the current cycle and the nation’s No. 7 class, according to Rivals, the Sooners still want to add two or three more players in 2025. Aside from prospects such as Jayden Bradley, Christian Jones, and Andrew Babalola, Brent Venables and colleagues appear to have nearly completed their current class.
With a strong group in 2025, Oklahoma will most likely focus its recruiting efforts on the 2026 class, which includes commitments from 4-star Narbonne (CA) quarterback Jaden O’Neal, 4-star Cibolo Steele (TX) running back Jonathan Hatton Jr., and 4-star Frisco Lone Star (TX) tight end Ryder Mix.
Despite a strong start, Oklahoma will need to get to work building out their upcoming class, since they now have only three pledges. Here are four candidates who appear to be top priorities for Venables and the company in the 2026 recruiting class.
Mason James
Mason James, a wide receiver from Norman North (OK), is one of two in-state standouts the Sooners are looking to add in the upcoming cycle.
According to 247Sports, James is ranked as the No. 175 overall talent and the No. 30 wide receiver in the country, standing 5 feet-11 and weighing 175 pounds. With his speed and explosiveness, James easily overcomes opponents deep downfield and has a danger to break a long run on jet sweeps.
The Timberwolves’ standout has offers from Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Michigan, Oregon, and others, but Emmett Jones and his team appear to be in a good position with James.
James visited campus several times throughout the 2023 season and has attended OU’s football camp over the past two summers, winning countless one-on-one drills against talented defensive backs.
Kaydin Jones
Kaydin Jones, a running back from Jenks (OK), is the second OK Preps standout the Sooners are hoping to add to their recruiting class for 2026.
As a sophomore in 2023, Jones helped lead the Trojans to a state championship game, where they were defeated by the Bixby Spartans. Despite the loss, Jones had a strong performance, rushing efficiently out of the backfield and even acting as a pass receiver when split wide.
#Sooners target and Jenks sophomore Kaydin Jones showing off his speed late in the 6A-1 state title game against Bixby. The OU legacy had a solid outing despite the Trojans’ loss.
đź”— to more highlights: https://t.co/H0Vshy5GtO pic.twitter.com/EalWAdVgDp
— Randall Sweet (@RandallSweet5) December 2, 2023
Jones, who stands 6-feet tall and weighs 185 pounds, is ranked as the nation’s No. 101 overall player and No. 14 running back by On3. DeMarco Murray and company appear to be in a strong position with the Tulsa-area talent, whose father is former Oklahoma running back Kejuan Jones.
Jones, like James, visited Norman several times last fall and returned in the spring and summer. Jones also appears to have a nice relationship with O’Neal, which should help Oklahoma land the top tailback.
In early July, Jones named OU, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas A&M, Mississippi, Oregon, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri, Louisville, and Vanderbilt among his top 11 colleges.
Deuce Geralds
Daverin “Deuce” Geralds could be the “big fish” the Sooners go for in their 2026 recruiting class.
Geralds, rated the No. 12 overall recruit and No. 1 defensive lineman in the nation by Rivals, would be another big addition to Venables’ defensive line after landing 5-star d-lineman David Stone and 5-star edge rusher PJ Adebawore in the previous two years.
Geralds appeared to like what he saw in Norman during his summer visit, as he scheduled three more trips to the Sooner State in the fall.
No. 1 defensive tackle Deuce Geralds is going to be busy busy this fall.@Rivals / @samspiegs pic.twitter.com/2eWtUpgoJ6
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) August 23, 2024
A star at Collins Hill (GA) in Suwanee, GA, Geralds racked up 30 tackles for loss and 14 sacks as just a sophomore in high school.
Hunter Higgins
Finally, Miguel Chavis and his team appear to have their sights set on 3-star Maize South (KS) edge rusher Hunter Higgins.
Higgins, who is 6-5 and weighs 245 pounds, has a strong build and outstanding length, making him an ideal fit for the SEC. According to 247Sports, Higgins is the No. 25 edge rusher in the nation, with offers from OU, Nebraska, Mississippi, Kansas State, Michigan, USC, Missouri, and many others.
The Sooners appear to be in excellent hands with Higgins, as the powerful edge rusher traveled to Norman for Oklahoma’s summer football camp in June.
During his stay on campus, Higgins not only demonstrated a rapid first step in one-on-one drills, but he was also pulled aside to receive individual coaching from Chavis while the rest of the edge group performed drills in line.
