Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class features multiple flips that have transformed the group into a potential cornerstone for the program’s future in the SEC.
**Jonathan Hatton Jr.** , a four-star running back from Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas, gave OU fans a rollercoaster recruitment. He initially committed to the Sooners before flipping to Texas A&M in March 2025, only to announce he was flipping **back to Oklahoma** on November 24, 2025 . Ranked as the **No. 81 overall prospect** and the **No. 4 running back** in the class, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Hatton rushed for over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior . His decision is significant for a running backs room coached by DeMarco Murray that has struggled with depth .
**Jayden Petit** , a four-star wide receiver from Naples, Florida, flipped his commitment from Wisconsin to the Sooners on Thanksgiving 2025 . The 6-foot-4 pass-catcher is rated as the **No. 167 overall recruit**, the **No. 24 wide receiver nationally**, and the **No. 24 player in Florida** according to the 247Sports Composite . 247Sports’ own rankings are even higher on Petit, slotting him at No. 93 overall and No. 13 among wideouts . His scouting report praises his ball skills and body control, noting his ability to make mid-air adjustments and fight for positioning in 50-50 situations . He was previously the top player in Wisconsin’s class .
**Markel Ford** , a three-star defensive back from Mesquite, Texas, flipped his commitment from SMU to Oklahoma on November 26, 2025 . The 6-foot, 190-pound safety had previously been committed to Texas A&M before flipping to SMU in March, making his eventual pledge to OU a significant recruiting victory . As a junior, Ford collected **four interceptions** along with 56 tackles and seven tackles for loss . He chose Oklahoma over a lengthy list of offers including Texas A&M, Michigan, Oregon, USC, and Tennessee .
### 📈 A Historic Class Built on Momentum
These flips contributed to a 2026 recruiting class that finished ranked **No. 15 nationally** and **No. 7 in the SEC** according to the 247Sports Composite . The class includes 25 players, with nearly all of them already on campus preparing for spring practices .
The crown jewel of the class is five-star edge rusher **Jake Kreul** from Florida’s IMG Academy. Ranked as the **No. 72 overall prospect** and the **No. 9 edge rusher** nationally, Kreul has the explosiveness and frame that could earn him immediate playing time as a freshman . He’s the type of player who changes the ceiling of an entire defense.
At quarterback, the Sooners landed **Bowe Bentley**, the **No. 7 quarterback** in the class, winning a key recruiting battle over LSU . Bentley was a priority for offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle from the start, and while he’s likely to sit behind John Mateer in 2026, he’s clearly being groomed as the future QB1 .
The receiver room ended up stronger than expected thanks to the flips of Petit and **Jahsiear Rogers**, who flipped to OU after a coaching change at Penn State . Rogers is the **No. 51 receiver** in the class and the top overall prospect from the state of Delaware . They join **Daniel Odom**, who remained loyal throughout the process, to form a solid receiving corps for Bentley .
### 🏈 Defensive Versatility and Depth
On defense, the Sooners added several versatile pieces that fit Brent Venables’ scheme. **Jacob Curry** is a hybrid defender listed as a safety who could eventually play Oklahoma’s “cheetah” position . **Kristan Moore** is one of the more intriguing additions, with just one Power Four offer—from OU—and could be a hidden gem after originally committing to North Alabama .
The Sooners also added twin brothers **Beau and Niko Jandreau** from Arizona. Beau is ranked as the No. 78 linebacker, while Niko is a versatile safety who could also see time at cheetah .
### 🎯 Looking Ahead
With the 2026 class now complete and most members already on campus, the focus shifts to spring ball, where fans will get their first glimpse of how this group fits into the future of Oklahoma football . The Sooners are also off to a hot start in the 2027 cycle, with their class ranked **No. 1 nationally** by 247Sports and No. 3 by Rivals following the commitment of five-star linebacker **Taven Epps**, who flipped from Texas .
For Oklahoma fans, this recruiting cycle is a testament to the program’s momentum under Venables. Following a 10-3 season and the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance since 2019, the Sooners are proving they can compete at the highest level both on the field and on the recruiting trail .
