Oklahoma Sooners land the Best possible recruit to reinforce their worst unit from last season

Best, who might end up at center for Oklahoma, was a high-priority target, as the Sooners are looking to find their future anchor up front, and that seems reflected in how hard Bedenbaugh gunned for him in his recruitment. Best was ranked the 51st-best player out of the state of Texas according to On3's composite ranking. 

He held offers from Missouri, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Texas, Ole Miss, and Nebraska, but really resonated with Oklahoma offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh. 

That belief in Bedenbaugh was what ultimately led Best to commit to the Sooners. In his own words, Best pointed to Bedenbaugh as a key part of his commitment.

"Coach B is the best O-line coach in college football if you want to play at the next level." 

Best is Oklahoma's fifth commitment since May 13th and their second overall commitment on the offensive line, joining Will Conroy. 

It's refreshing to see Oklahoma's continued reinvestment in building up the offensive line after years of hesitancy to invest here fully. However, Brent Venables and new general manager Jim Nagy have given Bedenbaugh the keys to the car to get his guys in recruiting, which is paying off so far with their recruitment.

There are other talents likely on the way as well in this class, and it seems poised to be another strong talent pool from Bedenbaugh this year. Given how much the unit struggled in 2024, it's evident that Oklahoma is pulling out all the stops to avoid having the same struggles again in the future.