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Oklahoma Sooners just lost another elite 2026 recruit to one of their new SEC rivals

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 11:28 PM ET

The Oklahoma Sooners were very close to adding another recruit that they have labeled and ranked higher than what their star rating appears to be. This is kind of what they do now in this new era of college football, where money is king.

They already lost out on four-star athlete Jacob Eberhart this week. The St. Louis native was predicted to choose Oklahoma over schools like Missouri and Ohio State, but actually ended up choosing Illinois.

This time, it's a defensive end, a position they need for their 2026 class, who ended up choosing an SEC rival over the Sooners.

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Sooners lose out on 2026 EDGE DeAnthony Lafayette

DeAnthony Lafayette could have been one of the edge rushers that the Sooners need for their 2026 class. They're still hoping Jake Kreul lands, but Lafayette was one they really wanted, too. He's a three-star edge rusher from Lake Nona High School in Orlando, Florida.

Lafayette is 6'1" and 230 pounds. He had an impressive junior season in 2024, recording 73 tackles, 17.5 sacks, 40 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, and an interception in 11 games.

His quick hands and ability to bend around the edge make him a disruptive force on defense. Lafayette received over 20 scholarship offers from programs like LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Boston College, and Vanderbilt. But, on July 12, he committed to LSU, choosing the Tigers over Miami and Oklahoma.

BREAKING: Class of 2026 EDGE DeAnthony Lafayette has Committed to LSU, he tells me for @rivals

The 6’1 240 EDGE from Orlando, FL chose the Tigers over Oklahoma & Miami

“100% Locked In, Geaux Tigers”https://t.co/A63FasLzD1 pic.twitter.com/W7ouQU3X3i
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 10, 2025

He is the second edge rusher in LSU’s 2026 class, joining five-star Trenton Henderson, and the fourth defensive lineman in a class ranked No. 7 nationally by 247Sports. Rated as the No. 34 edge rusher and No. 42 prospect in Florida, Lafayette’s versatility allows him to play off-ball linebacker or drop into coverage, and his pass-rushing skills suggest potential to rise in recruiting rankings as a senior.

But he does need some developing, obviously. Regardless, the Sooners really wanted him.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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