The Oklahoma Sooners scored a major recruiting win for the 2026 cycle, grabbing a commitment from five-star defensive end Jake Kreul. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound pass rusher from IMG Academy in Florida made his announcement choosing the Sooners over Texas and Ole Miss.
Sooners beat out Texas and Ole Miss for nation’s top uncommitted prospect
Kreul entered August as the last uncommitted five-star in the ESPN 300 rankings. His final decision came after a series of official visits to his three finalists, along with stops at Florida, Ohio State, and Colorado.
Kreul becomes Oklahoma’s 16th pledge in the 2026 class and only the third ESPN 300 recruit to commit to coach Brent Venables this cycle. He joins quarterback Bowe Bentley and wide receiver Daniel Odom as the highest-ranked names in the group. If he signs later this year, it will mark the fourth straight class in which Oklahoma has landed at least one five-star recruit.
The Florida native posted 39 tackles, 11 quarterback hurries, and 6 sacks during his junior season and played in the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game. Known for his polished technique and explosiveness off the edge, Kreul is considered one of the most college-ready defensive prospects in the nation.
MORE: Kalen DeBoer chooses starting signal caller for Week 1 against Florida State
Long journey of recruiting
Oklahoma’s push for Kreul started nearly two years ago, and his bond with defensive line coaches Todd Bates and Miguel Chavis proved key. Venables’ long track record as a defensive strategist also played a major role in sealing the deal.
“The chance to play for a defensive-minded head coach like Coach Venables is something you can’t find everywhere,” Kreul said.
Kreul is now the seventh defensive player committed to Oklahoma’s 2026 class. Along the defensive line, he’ll join three-star tackle Brian Harris and ends Matthew Nelson and Daniel Norman, forming a group the Sooners hope can restore their defensive dominance.
More NCAA Football News:
- Kalen DeBoer chooses starting signal caller for Week 1 against Florida State
- Fresno State names starting quarterback with ties to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Associated Press Top 25 poll released
- Deion Sanders declares Buffaloes “built to win” for 2025 season
- Head coach that took $76M buy-out looking for return to sideline