Multiple SEC programs looking to pull the rug from under the Oklahoma Sooners for priority recruit

Things have been a struggle for head coach Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners on the recruiting trail so far for the 2026 class. There have been a couple of nice victories, such as top-100 quarterback Bowe Bentley, but there have also been several inexcusable misses as well. The finish under Coach Venables, and new General Manager Jim Nagy, is going to be crucial for the program.

Arguably the biggest remaining priority target on the board for the Sooners is Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy defensive end Jake Kreul. The 6-3, 230-pound pass rusher is rated as the No. 31 overall player, No. 4 EDGE, and No. 3 player in the state of Florida for the 2026 recruiting class according to the 247Sports Composite ranking. He had recently been predicted to land with Oklahoma in the end.

On Tuesday, however, On3 vice president of recruiting Steve Wiltfong reported that multiple SEC schools are giving the Sooners a run for their money down the stretch. Here is what Wiltfong had to say about the push from the Texas Longhorns and the Ole Miss Rebels. 

Texas rising with prized edge rusher

While my Rivals prediction is currently on rival Oklahoma for IMG Academy edge rusher Jake Kreul, a source says Texas is on the move with the four-star recruit. Ole Miss is also one to keep an eye on but it seems like the Longhorns are giving Kreul a lot to think about.

“Texas has a great culture and I love the high level of expectations of to be the best,” Kreul has said. “That just inspires accountability and competitiveness.

“I spent a good amount of time talking with Coach Sark. I really like him a lot. Definitely a Coach I see pulling the best out of me.”

Kreul is the No. 40 prospect in the Rivals Industry Rankings regardless of position.

Oklahoma desperately needs a win on the recruiting trail right now. As of today, they are rated as the No. 34 2026 recruiting class on the ranking, sitting behind programs like Rutgers, Stanford, Illinois, Minnesota, and Indiana. There is just no reason to be behind those types of schools when you are the Oklahoma Sooners.

Outside of Bentley, Oklahoma doesn't have a single recruit ranked inside of the top 200 overall players on the Composite ranking. Quite simply, this caliber of recruiting isn't good enough. Kreul is entering "must get" territory for the team.