Oklahoma Sooners gain some breathing room in pursuit of a much-needed blue-chip defender to bolster floundering class of 2026

Golden, a player many considered a Notre Dame lock, suddenly pushing back his decision is a surprising move that has raised some questions.

However, sources tell me that that move is in part due to a strong push from the Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma has been in pursuit of Golden for months, but the staff has ramped up their intensity in recent weeks and has given Golden more to consider in his recruitment. 

A top-200 recruit and a consensus top-20 defensive tackle in the 2026 class, Golden would be one of the top players in Oklahoma's class and would ease some concerns about their defensive line in the long term. He would be a much-needed win for the Sooners and this staff to pull off. 

In an interview with Steve Wiltfong, Golden outlined what he liked about the Oklahoma Sooners staff:

"Definitely the coaching staff. I really like how their system over there and how they work things and stuff they have for their players. I like how they're very into God and faithful school. The football team and coaches are very into God."

It's too soon to tell just how his recruitment will shake out, but it's nice to see the Sooners ramp up and try to turn their 2026 class around. Every elite talent counts in their push for another top-ten recruiting class.