Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns land one of the most insanely versatile defenders in the 2026 recruiting class

Okpala is currently rated as a four-star player on the 247Sports Composite ranking. He sits as the No. 281 overall player, No. 27 EDGE, and No. 35 player in the state of Texas for the 2026 recruiting class. Each of the major recruiting platforms have Okpala ranked as a four-star player, the exception being the 247Sports individual ranking. 

Despite rankings that are a bit all over the place, Okpala boasts an outstanding offer list. Some of the top schools who have offered him include Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Ole Miss, USC, Texas A&M, Miami, Penn State, Nebraska, Missouri, SMU, Texas Tech, Vanderbilt, TCU, Utah, Oklahoma State, UNC, Baylor, Duke, Kansas, and Houston among many others. 

As a junior, Okpala put together an outstanding season for Mayde Creek. In 10 games, he managed to collect 55 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and five sacks. The 6-2, 230-pound defender also managed to force two fumbles and break up two passes. 

When you pop on the film of Okpala, you are going to see him do a lot of different things. He is a player who plays a lot of 3-4 outside linebacker. Okpala is able to rush the passer, but is also comfortable playing in space. There is some upside, as well, as a true stacked linebacker.