Oklahoma Sooners break cold recruiting streak, landing commitment of talented defender who could bring more players with him

Jandreau told On3 in an interview that it was the strong relationships he built with the staff over their shared faith that led him to the Sooners. 

"I have always wanted to play in the SEC or the Big Ten because that is where college football is going and I love what Oklahoma is doing...When I was breaking down schools, faith is very important and the right culture is what I have always been looking for. Oklahoma is strong in both of those. Winning is important too, and I am looking to be developed. Oklahoma has all of those things. Coach V[enables] is awesome. We have had numerous talks about faith, how he believes and how they develop their players in SOUL Mission. That was big for me. I loved that on my visit."

The hard-hitting safety was heavily pursued by Venables and safeties coach Brandon Hall, who built a great relationship with Niko Jandreau throughout the process that ultimately sealed the deal.

However, Niko isn't the only Jandreau the Sooners are pursuing this cycle. The Sooners are also in hot pursuit of his brother, three-star linebacker Beau Jandreau, to add to the class of 2026. 

Beau Jandreau has been heavily recruited by numerous other schools than the Sooners, including Washington, USC, Oregon, Tennessee, Arizona, and Notre Dame. While the brothers would like to play together, they must decide what is best for them as individuals. The Sooners have to like their chances of landing both of them. 

They wouldn't be the only pair of brothers the Sooners have on their team. Quarterback Michael Hawkins and cornerback Maliek Hawkins, as well as defensive backs Peyton and Eli Bowen, have kept the Sooners in the family as brothers, sharing a bond on and off the field. 

Hopefully, this gets the ball rolling on snapping Oklahoma's recruiting woes so far in 2026 and starts building momentum for them to close the class out strong as the summer and fall approach. 

The Sooners now have five commits in the class of 2026, with Niko Jandreau joining four-star wide receiver Daniel Odom, four-star quarterback Jaden O'Neal, three-star tight end Ryder Mix, and three-star IOL Will Conroy.