Oklahoma Sooners Eyeing Defensive Future with Top 2026 Prospect
For years, the Oklahoma Sooners were synonymous with high-powered offense, lighting up scoreboards and producing elite quarterbacks. But under head coach Brent Venables, the program underwent a dramatic transformation in 2023. While their offense struggled mightily—ranking among the worst in the country—their defense emerged as one of the best.
As the Sooners prepare for the future, they recognize the need to restore offensive firepower. They’ve made roster moves to improve on that side of the ball, but an equally important challenge looms: maintaining defensive dominance. With key defensive players set to leave due to graduation, the NFL Draft, or the transfer portal, Oklahoma must ensure it continues to build an elite unit for years to come.
Sooners Prioritizing Defensive Talent for 2026
So far, Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class has focused solely on offensive prospects. However, the coaching staff has made it clear they are aggressively pursuing top-tier defensive talent. One of their latest moves suggests they are on track to do just that—securing a FutureCast projection for standout edge rusher Kevin Ford Jr.
Kevin Ford Jr.: A Game-Changing Prospect
Ford, a dominant edge rusher from Duncanville High School in Texas, has been a force at the high school level, helping lead his team to back-to-back Texas 6A Division I state championships in 2022 and 2023. His combination of strength, agility, and versatility makes him one of the most coveted defenders in the 2026 class.
New #Sooners Rivals 🏈 FutureCast
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2026 WDE Kevin Ford Jr.
📏 6’4” / 24p
🏫 Duncanville HS (Duncanville, TX)
✍️ By Sam Spiegelman
🎤⬇️ National Recruiting AnalystProfile: https://t.co/CcEkcvhZ6T#L26ENDARY pic.twitter.com/YLxrwI10eM
— Covered Wagons Recruiting (@OUCrystalBall) January 27, 2025
Ranked No. 66 overall and No. 8 among edge rushers by 247Sports, Ford has garnered offers from several powerhouse programs, including Arizona State, Baylor, Florida, Houston, and LSU. While Texas has also been in the mix, Oklahoma appears to be among the frontrunners for his commitment. His invitation to the 2024 Under Armour All-American Game further solidifies his status as one of the nation’s top high school prospects.
What Ford’s Commitment Would Mean for Oklahoma
Landing a player of Ford’s caliber would be a significant statement for Venables and his staff. It would signal Oklahoma’s continued emphasis on defensive excellence, ensuring they don’t revert to their previous identity as an offense-first program with a porous defense.
Ford’s skill set aligns well with Venables’ aggressive defensive schemes, and his presence could help Oklahoma maintain its newfound defensive identity as it transitions into the SEC.
While it remains to be seen where Ford will ultimately commit, the Sooners are making a strong case for why Norman should be his next stop. With a concerted effort to recruit elite defensive prospects, Oklahoma appears to be laying the groundwork to sustain its defensive dominance well into the future.
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