Sunday Offering: Oklahoma Named Finalist for 2026 TE, Sooners Offer 2027 Prospects

The Oklahoma Sooners have been making significant strides in their recruiting efforts, particularly concerning the 2026 and 2027 classes. This week’s developments highlight the program’s commitment to securing top-tier talent for the future.

Tyler Ruxer: A Key Target in 2026 Class

One of the most notable updates is the Sooners’ positioning with tight end prospect Tyler Ruxer. The 6’4″, 220-pound tight end from Lincoln City, Indiana, has emerged as a primary target for Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class. Ruxer is set to announce his college decision on July 7 at 5:30 p.m. ET, and Oklahoma is among his six finalists, which also include Minnesota, Northwestern, West Virginia, Duke, and Purdue .

In the 2024 season, Ruxer showcased his abilities by recording 43 receptions for 893 yards and 12 touchdowns, demonstrating his potential as a dynamic playmaker. His official visit to Norman is scheduled for June 13, providing the Sooners with an opportunity to make a lasting impression .

Jaden O’Neal’s Recruitment Status

Quarterback Jaden O’Neal, a 4-star recruit and Oklahoma commit since June 2024, has been exploring other options. O’Neal, ranked as the No. 18 quarterback in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports, officially visited Arizona on May 30 and is slated for an official visit to Florida State on June 15. Despite his commitment to Oklahoma, these visits indicate that O’Neal is keeping his options open .

Offers Extended to 2027 Prospects

The Sooners have also been proactive in offering scholarships to standout players in the 2027 class, aiming to build relationships early with top talent.

Jayden Dean – Offensive Line

Offensive lineman Jayden Dean from Florida has received an offer from Oklahoma. Dean, a 4-star prospect, stands at 6’4″ and 280 pounds and is ranked as the No. 140 overall prospect in the Class of 2027 by Rivals. He has also garnered offers from Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, and Texas A&M, indicating his status as a highly sought-after recruit .

Marshaun Ivy – Linebacker

Linebacker Marshaun Ivy from Missouri is another 2027 prospect who has caught the attention of the Sooners. Ivy, a 3-star recruit, is ranked as the No. 4 prospect from Missouri and the No. 29 linebacker nationally. In the 2024 season, he recorded 40 solo tackles, showcasing his defensive prowess. Ivy has also received offers from Iowa, Indiana, Iowa State, and Michigan .

Justin Weeks – Defensive Line

Defensive lineman Justin Weeks from Georgia has been offered by Oklahoma. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 235 pounds, Weeks is a 4-star recruit and the No. 141 overall prospect in the Class of 2027. He has also collected offers from Georgia, Texas A&M, Auburn, and other major college football programs, highlighting his potential as a future star on the defensive line .

Demare Dezeurn – Wide Receiver

Wide receiver Demare Dezeurn, an elite 2027 prospect, has received an offer from the Sooners. Dezeurn’s recruitment is gaining momentum, and his addition to Oklahoma’s list of offers underscores the program’s commitment to securing top talent at the wide receiver position .

Offensive Line Commitments and Offers

In addition to individual offers, the Sooners have been focusing on strengthening their offensive line for the 2026 class.

Pupungatoa Katoa – Offensive Line

Pupungatoa Katoa, a 6’3″, 365-pound interior offensive lineman from Euless, Texas, has been offered by Oklahoma. Katoa, who unofficially visited OU in March, is scheduled for an official visit in June. Other schools in the mix for Katoa include Texas, Texas A&M, and SMU, indicating a competitive recruitment process .

Tristan Dare – Offensive Line

Tristan Dare, an interior offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll, Texas, has also been offered by the Sooners. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 260 pounds, Dare is ranked as the No. 60 player in the Class of 2027 by 247Sports. Oklahoma is the second SEC school to offer Dare, as he picked up an offer from Florida in April, signaling the program’s interest in bolstering its offensive line depth .

Defensive Line Targets

The Sooners have been active in offering defensive line prospects for the 2027 class.

Luke Starcevic – Defensive Line

Luke Starcevic, a defensive lineman from North Dakota, has received an offer from Oklahoma. Already standing at 6’5″ and weighing 250 pounds, Starcevic finished the 2024 season with 26.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. According to 247Sports, Starcevic also plays offensive line. He is rated as a 4-star prospect and the No. 14 defensive lineman in the Class of 2027. Other schools pursuing him include Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas State, and Missouri .

Wide Receiver Commitments and Offers

The Sooners have been focusing on enhancing their wide receiver corps for the 2026 class.

Dallas Dickerson – Wide Receiver

Dallas Dickerson, a 6’1″, 180-pound wide receiver from Georgia, has been offered by Oklahoma. Dickerson is ranked as the No. 55 receiver in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and wide receiver coach Emmett Jones traveled to Georgia to visit Dickerson at his high school, underscoring the program’s interest in securing top-tier talent at the wide receiver position .

Defensive Back Targets

The Sooners have also been active in offering defensive back prospects for the 2026 class.

Ryan Gilbert – Cornerback

Ryan Gilbert, a cornerback from Forney, Texas, has listed Oklahoma in his top three schools, along with SMU and Houston. A 3-star prospect according to 247Sports, Gilbert is rated as the No. 47 cornerback in the Class of 2026. He is scheduled to visit the Sooners on June 20, indicating the program’s continued interest in bolstering its defensive backfield .

Niko Jandreau – Safety

Niko Jandreau, a safety from Chandler, Arizona, has narrowed his list down to five schools, with Oklahoma being one of them. The other programs include USC, Washington, Missouri, and Georgia Tech. Jandreau is a 3-star prospect, ranked as the No. 17 player from Arizona in the 2026 class. He is scheduled to visit Oklahoma on June 20, highlighting the program’s efforts to strengthen its safety position .

The Oklahoma Sooners have been proactive in their recruiting efforts, extending offers to a diverse array of prospects across multiple positions for the 2026 and 2027 classes. With key targets like Tyler Ruxer in the 2026 class and standout offers to 2027 prospects such as Jayden Dean, Marshaun Ivy, and Justin Weeks, the Sooners are positioning themselves for continued success in future recruiting cycles. As the commitment dates approach, particularly for Ruxer on July 7, all eyes will be on Norman to see how these recruitment efforts unfold.