Sunday Offering: Bowe Bentley Gets Invited to the Elite 11; Oklahoma Offers 2026 RB
Oklahoma made plenty of efforts to bolster its 2026 recruiting class this week.
The Sooners picked up a commitment from defensive lineman prospect Brian Harris of Florida and also made moves toward other prospects in the class.
Two days after missing out on a 2026 defensive prospect, the Sooners picked one up.
Harris’ commitment came on Friday and lessened the blow after linebacker Mason Marden chose Arizona State over Oklahoma on Wednesday.
Harris is rated as a 4-star prospect by Rivals, while 247Sports, On3 and ESPN have him graded as a 3-star. As a junior at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville in 2024, he recorded 29 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 10 games. He was named the Defensive Line MVP at the 2025 Under Armour Next Camp, hosted in Orlando on Feb. 23.
Bowe Bentley, a standout quarterback from [High School Name], has been invited to participate in the Elite 11 Finals, a premier showcase for the nation’s top high school quarterbacks. This invitation places Bentley among the elite signal-callers in the country, offering him a platform to demonstrate his skills against the best in his class. The Elite 11 Finals are renowned for identifying and developing future college and NFL quarterbacks, making this an invaluable opportunity for Bentley to elevate his profile and attract attention from top collegiate programs.
The Oklahoma Sooners have been proactive in assembling a formidable 2026 recruiting class, particularly focusing on the running back position. Initially, the Sooners secured a commitment from four-star running back Jonathan Hatton Jr. from Cibolo, Texas. Hatton, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, was highly regarded for his vision, power, and versatility on the field. He committed to Oklahoma in October 2023, citing the program’s fit both on and off the field
However, in December 2024, Hatton decommitted from Oklahoma following the hiring of Ben Arbuckle as the new offensive coordinator . Subsequently, in March 2025, Hatton committed to Texas A&M, choosing the Aggies over other prominent programs .
In the wake of Hatton’s departure, Oklahoma has turned its attention to other top running back prospects. One notable target is Kaydin Jones from Jenks, Oklahoma. Jones, a four-star recruit and the No. 1 player in the state, announced his top 11 schools in July 2024, including Oklahoma . Jones is known for his quickness, elusiveness, and ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver, making him a valuable asset for any collegiate program.
As the Sooners continue to navigate the evolving recruiting landscape, securing commitments from top-tier talents like Jones will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, Bowe Bentley’s Elite 11 Finals invitation underscores his rising prominence as a quarterback prospect, while Oklahoma’s ongoing efforts to bolster its 2026 running back corps highlight the dynamic nature of college football recruiting. Both narratives exemplify the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the sport.
