Oklahoma Sooners set to flip defender at must-have position away from former national championship opponent

However, one incoming recruit could be a big score for the Sooners to tally as they gear up for Week 1 of the 2025-26 season.

Flipping a Former Seminole

James Carrington, a three-star defensive tackle, has been committed to the Florida State Seminoles since June.

However, he announced his decommitment today on August 14th. Shortly after, the Sooners received a new prediction to secure his commitment.

Carrington holds offers from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Oregon, and Texas A&M. According to 247Sports, he boasts a near 80" wingspan with a tremendous blend of speed and power.

He is a little undersized at 6'2, 255 pounds, but it's evident the Sooners see an opportunity for a long-term investment at a critical position.

Carrington would be Oklahoma's second commit in the 2026 class at defensive tackle, joining three-star Brian Harris. The Sooners need to restock their defensive line room in the future, as they are set to lose Damonic Williams and Gracen Halton once the season ends. If Carrington commits soon, he would join elite blue-chip defensive end Jake Kreul as Oklahoma's latest commitments.

Behind those two are David Stone and Jayden Jackson, and both seem like likely candidates to be off to the NFL by the end of the 2026 season. Thus, the importance of Oklahoma finding key playmakers here becomes paramount.

The coaching staff, led by defensive tackles coach Todd Bates, have done a tremendous job developing and maximizing plenty of talents. They're gonna have to do their best work in a while, however, if they want to find a way to rebuild their current room, which is far and away the best unit in the SEC.