Oklahoma is Missing on Local Talent in 2026 Class, and People Are Noticing

Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class is raising eyebrows across the state as the Sooners find themselves without a single in-state commit, and current trends suggest that situation isn’t likely to improve.

So far, OU’s 13 commits include national names like quarterback Bowe Bentley, but not one from Oklahoma high schools, leaving local fans and analysts increasingly uneasy.

The impact is already being felt. Defensive lineman Tajh Overton, the state’s consensus No. 1 2026 prospect, chose Oklahoma State over the Sooners on June 27. That makes OSU and Tulsa the only in-state schools to land multiple local recruits, while OU continues its drought.

Even more concerning, the Top 10 Oklahoma prospects have bypassed OU entirely, leaving Sooners fans to watch others capitalize on in-state talent.

Despite some flashy national recruits, the lack of local ties is an unusual and unhealthy trend. Brent Venables, Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle, and recruiting coordinator Todd Bates, who earned national acclaim at Clemson, have been unable to secure much Oklahoma talent this year

That disconnect could have ramifications beyond one class: convincing local high school players to stay home has been integral to OU’s identity and pipeline.

At this point, OU’s coaching staff faces mounting pressure to close strong this summer, before the early signing period. With five ranked in-state prospects still undecided, there’s still time, but momentum is with its competitors.