Oklahoma 4-star defensive line prospect stuns fans by committing to Oklahoma State, turning down a major offer from the in-state powerhouse Sooners.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football landscape—especially within the borders of Oklahoma—one of the state’s premier defensive line prospects has made his decision. The four-star standout, long expected to don crimson and cream, has instead pledged his future to the Oklahoma State Cowboys, turning down an offer from the blueblood Oklahoma Sooners and flipping the script in a way few saw coming.
The commitment is a massive recruiting win for Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy and his staff, who have spent months carefully cultivating a relationship with the elite defensive talent. It’s not often that Oklahoma loses a top-tier in-state prospect to their Bedlam rival, but that’s exactly what happened here. For the Cowboys, this isn’t just a commitment—it’s a statement.
For months, the Sooners were considered the frontrunner. Their pitch was strong, their pedigree undeniable. Brent Venables, a defensive-minded head coach with national championship experience, had been directly involved in the recruitment. The defensive line prospect—whose name now carries national weight among scouting circles—had been a regular presence in Norman. He’d made several unofficial visits, attended games at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, and reportedly built a strong rapport with the Sooners’ coaching staff.
But in the end, it was Oklahoma State that won his heart. Despite not having the same level of national prestige as OU, the Cowboys offered something that resonated on a personal level. Some sources close to the recruitment pointed to culture and trust as key factors. Others emphasized the Cowboys’ plan for player development and early playing time. Either way, the result is the same: Oklahoma State landed a game-changer.
This development is particularly impactful because of what it symbolizes. For decades, Oklahoma has dominated in-state recruiting. The Sooners often have their pick of top Oklahoma talent, with OSU typically fighting for what’s left. But the college football landscape is shifting. NIL, the transfer portal, and heightened parity in coaching staffs have leveled the playing field in many ways. And Oklahoma State is taking advantage.
The Cowboys’ coaching staff executed a brilliant recruiting campaign. Defensive line coach Joe Bob Clements played a pivotal role, spearheading the effort to show the young man not just what OSU could offer on the field, but off it as well. According to insiders, the staff made multiple visits to the player’s high school, hosted his family in Stillwater for extended unofficial visits, and laid out a detailed development plan that aligned with his NFL aspirations.
What stood out most was the Cowboys’ ability to make their pitch feel personal. While the Sooners offered prestige and facilities, Oklahoma State offered connection. They pitched him on being the face of a defense. They didn’t just want him—they needed him. And for a player who thrives on responsibility and leadership, that meant everything.
This commitment is also a major momentum boost for Oklahoma State’s 2026 recruiting class, which is now viewed as one of the strongest in recent memory for the program. Landing a four-star, in-state defensive lineman—especially one that the Sooners coveted—sends a message to future prospects that Oklahoma State can compete at the highest levels. It challenges the long-standing recruiting narrative in the state and could encourage other top-tier athletes to consider Stillwater a viable launching pad to the pros.
As for the Sooners, the loss stings. Not just because they missed on an elite talent, but because they lost him to their most bitter rival. The Bedlam Series—once an annual tradition—has become even more tense with Oklahoma’s move to the SEC. Though the teams won’t face each other every year moving forward, the rivalry remains emotionally charged. Losing a head-to-head recruiting battle like this adds fuel to the fire.
Oklahoma’s defensive recruiting under Brent Venables has generally been solid, but this particular miss raises questions. Did the staff misread the player’s priorities? Did they lean too heavily on their brand? Or was this simply a case of Oklahoma State out-recruiting them? Whatever the reason, it’s a reminder that even for a traditional powerhouse like OU, no in-state prospect is a lock anymore.
The player himself has kept things classy throughout the process. In a social media post announcing his decision, he thanked all the schools that recruited him, expressing gratitude for the relationships he built along the way. But he made it clear that Oklahoma State felt like home. He cited the family atmosphere in Stillwater, the bond with the coaches, and the vision they laid out for him as reasons behind his decision.
In many ways, his story reflects the changing nature of college football recruiting. It’s no longer just about brand recognition or facilities. It’s about relationships, trust, fit, and opportunity. Oklahoma State leaned into that and earned a massive win.
High school coaches across the state have taken notice. Many view this as a turning point, or at least a warning, that Oklahoma State is no longer content to live in OU’s shadow. One coach commented, “This kid choosing OSU over OU is a big deal. It shows that the Cowboys are serious about keeping talent in-state—and more importantly, keeping it away from the Sooners.”
For Oklahoma State fans, the commitment represents hope, belief, and validation. It shows that the Cowboys can battle the big boys and win. It shows that Mike Gundy and his staff are adapting to the new recruiting era and doing it effectively. For years, OSU has quietly developed NFL-caliber defensive talent. Now, with this addition, they may be on the cusp of something greater.
The player joins a defensive recruiting class that is already drawing national attention. With several four-star and high three-star defenders already on board, Oklahoma State appears to be building a formidable unit for the future. Analysts say the program could see one of its strongest defenses in the next few seasons, especially if this trend of elite commitments continues.
There’s also a broader implication. As the transfer portal continues to change roster dynamics, coaches are emphasizing player retention and development more than ever. Getting a four-star high school player to commit is one thing. Developing him and keeping him engaged over several seasons is another. But based on what Oklahoma State has promised and how they’ve structured their program, this commitment looks built to last.
Meanwhile, the Sooners will go back to the drawing board. Brent Venables and his staff still have a top-10 class in the works, and Oklahoma is rarely short on defensive line talent. But this one will leave a mark. Not because the player chose another school—but because he chose that school.
In-state battles carry extra weight. They’re about more than just football. They’re about bragging rights, recruiting perception, and establishing dominance in your own backyard. And this time, the Cowboys won.
For now, the spotlight will stay on Stillwater. The commitment video has gone viral. The message boards are buzzing. Oklahoma State fans are already picturing their new defensive anchor wreaking havoc in Boone Pickens Stadium. He hasn’t even played a down yet, but his presence has already changed the narrative.
Only time will tell how this story unfolds. But one thing is certain—this four-star defensive lineman believed in the Cowboys’ vision. And that belief just might reshape the future of Oklahoma football, both in Stillwater and beyond.
