Oklahoma’s Gridiron Great Reveals What Makes Brent Venables’ Recruiting So Extraordinary

Simply because certain sites rank the
Oklahoma Sooners
Or for any team, being ranked as the 25th best class nationally truly holds no significance.

Certainly, it assists individuals in gauging the number of players each team possesses who surpass a specific ranking level; however, these rankings aren’t meaningful. For instance, Oklahoma isn’t pursuing top-rated five-star prospects according to such site evaluations. Instead, they use their own assessments and prioritize players differently based on their distinct approach to recruiting and engagement.

It’s important to remember that Brent Venables, along with every other head coach, doesn’t pay much attention to what platforms like Rivals, 247 Sports, or On3 say regarding recruits or the college team. While Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class ranks around the 20th spot across these websites, the focus for the Sooners remains on improving their own team rather than chasing rankings.

And, some of the program’s most legendary figures recognize this as well.

Hello young fan! Venables realizes we require offensive linemen and defensive linemen to contend in the Southeastern Conference. Those of you who want him out haven’t grasped his intelligence yet. Show some patience; everything will turn out well for us. Plus, we’ve gotten stronger with additions like Gerald McCoy, formerly from the Oklahoma Sooners and having played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers as a defensive lineman.

Following the Sooners securing defensive lineman Brian Harris, it’s significant that another defensive lineman would comment positively on this recruit, highlighting Oklahoma’s strong recruitment efforts at that position. Let me assure you, when it comes to understanding defensive line play, nobody does it better than McCoy. He believes Harris is an excellent addition.

Playing in the SEC begins up front, as evidenced each and every season. The programs that consistently churn out the highest number of offensive and defensive linemen for the NFL Draft are also typically found among those competing in the College Football Playoffs annually—teams such as Georgia and Alabama, who stand atop the conference standings.

Venables is taking actions that will improve the Sooners.

Connected: In 2026, a highly-rated four-star defensive player uncovers an interesting link to the Oklahoma Sooners following their scholarship offer.