“BOOMER SOONER ENERGY: 2026 QB Commit Bowe Bentley Fires Up Fans After Brent Venables Lands 4 TE Tyler Ruxer in Key Recruiting Win for Oklahoma”
When a quarterback commits to a program, it’s often more than just a pledge to play — it’s a signal to other recruits that there’s something special building. For Oklahoma’s 2026 class, that energy is already in motion thanks to four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley, who has fully embraced the role of leader and ambassador for Brent Venables’ vision in Norman. Bentley, the dynamic signal-caller out of Celina, Texas, has been vocal in his support of the Sooners since his commitment, and his reaction to Oklahoma landing four-star tight end Tyler Ruxer on July 7, 2025, underscored that energy and belief in the future of the program. With a simple but powerful post on X — “Norman let’s get it! BOOMER SOONER!” — Bentley demonstrated the growing bond among Oklahoma’s 2026 commits, and perhaps even more importantly, the momentum Brent Venables is trying to capture heading into a pivotal period for the Sooners as they transition deeper into SEC competition.
Tyler Ruxer’s commitment was more than just another recruiting win. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, the Lincoln City, Indiana, native is ranked as the No. 9 tight end in the nation by Rivals and was a high-priority target for multiple Power Five programs. Choosing Oklahoma over offers from Duke, West Virginia, Purdue, Minnesota, and Northwestern, Ruxer’s decision is a testament to the Sooners’ ability to compete nationally for top-tier talent at skill positions that are essential in today’s fast-paced, hybrid-style offenses. For a player like Bentley, who thrives on timing, precision, and exploiting mismatches, the addition of a versatile tight end like Ruxer is a welcome sight. The chemistry between a quarterback and tight end can often define an offense’s ceiling, and Bentley seems more than ready to begin building that connection long before the pair even steps on campus.
Ruxer’s commitment also comes at a critical time for Oklahoma’s depth chart. With injuries and attrition thinning the tight end room in recent seasons, replenishing talent at the position was a must. Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby have made it a priority in this cycle, and Ruxer now joins Ryder Mix as the second tight end pledge in the 2026 class. Together, they form a duo that could provide Oklahoma with flexibility and physicality, adding both red zone weapons and reliable targets in short-yardage situations. Whether it’s stretching the seam or sealing the edge on outside runs, Ruxer’s presence immediately upgrades the offensive outlook and gives Bentley a future weapon that few defenses will be able to account for easily.
While the Sooners’ 2026 recruiting class currently sits at No. 32 in the national rankings, the addition of Ruxer suggests that number could be climbing. Despite missing on key targets like quarterback Jaden O’Neal — who chose Florida State after a fierce recruitment — Oklahoma has regrouped and recalibrated their efforts with impressive speed. Bentley’s own commitment was a major victory for the Sooners, as he turned down LSU among others, and has since become a vocal peer recruiter, not just reacting to news but actively participating in the class-building process. It’s the type of leadership that can galvanize a group, especially one filled with high-upside talent still learning what it takes to win at the next level.
Bentley’s excitement after the Ruxer commitment wasn’t performative — it reflected the optimism swelling inside Oklahoma’s quarterback room and locker room alike. His social media presence has become a rallying point for fans and fellow commits, and his words carry weight not only because of his four-star pedigree, but also because of the way he conducts himself as a leader. Bentley has shown he’s ready to represent the Sooners beyond the field, attending camps, engaging with future teammates, and constantly signaling that Oklahoma is a destination worth considering for elite prospects. His reaction to Ruxer’s announcement perfectly encapsulates that spirit. It was celebratory, confident, and inclusive — “Norman let’s get it!” wasn’t just a slogan, it was a battle cry for what’s to come.
Ruxer, for his part, also expressed excitement about his decision to join the Sooners. Known for his strong hands, route running, and competitiveness, he has already drawn comparisons to some of Oklahoma’s most productive tight ends in recent memory. With the SEC demanding a higher level of physicality and tactical depth, Ruxer’s skill set is ideally suited to the battles that lie ahead. He brings a blend of Midwest toughness and modern pass-catching ability, a hybrid that makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether it’s linebackers struggling to keep up or safeties overmatched by his frame, Ruxer is the kind of recruit who can tilt the field. The fact that he’ll be catching passes from a player like Bentley only heightens that excitement.
Recruiting momentum is often fragile — one decommitment or poor showing on the field can quickly derail a class’s cohesion. But under Brent Venables, Oklahoma is working hard to insulate itself from those swings. The 2026 class, still in its formative stages, already shows signs of that foundation being laid. Bentley’s early commitment gave the class an anchor, a charismatic and talented centerpiece around whom others could rally. Ruxer’s addition gives it firepower and legitimacy at a key position. Together, they represent the dual approach Oklahoma is taking: securing top-tier talent and building chemistry that extends beyond game day.
It’s also worth noting the SEC backdrop here. As Oklahoma continues its transition into the SEC full-time, the level of competition on the recruiting trail and in conference play is unlike anything the program has seen before. SEC schools are relentless in their pursuit of talent, and keeping up means not just attracting elite recruits, but doing so with a clear vision for how they’ll be used and developed. The tight end position, once somewhat of an afterthought in many college offenses, has become a focal point in SEC schemes, where mismatches are exploited and versatility is prized. With Ruxer and Mix now in the fold, Oklahoma is preparing for that challenge with eyes wide open.
Fans of the program, too, have taken notice of Bentley’s growing influence. Message boards and social platforms were flooded with excitement following his reaction to Ruxer’s announcement, with many pointing to the quarterback’s leadership as a difference-maker for the class. “He’s acting like a five-star,” one fan posted. “That’s the kind of energy that brings others with him.” It’s a sentiment shared by coaches, analysts, and insiders who have followed Bentley’s trajectory since his rise through the Texas high school ranks. Known for his poise and competitiveness, Bentley isn’t just another recruit — he’s quickly becoming a figurehead for the next generation of Sooners.
And while there is still a long road ahead — National Signing Day is many months away — the signs are promising. Oklahoma has weathered a few early stumbles in the 2026 cycle, but the tide appears to be turning. With leaders like Bentley helping to shape the class, and blue-chip talents like Ruxer choosing Norman over a crowded field of contenders, the momentum is undeniable. Brent Venables has emphasized the importance of culture, toughness, and fit in his recruiting philosophy, and this class appears to be aligning well with that blueprint.
Ultimately, Bowe Bentley’s reaction to the Tyler Ruxer commitment wasn’t just about celebrating a new teammate. It was a public reaffirmation of his belief in what Oklahoma is building — and a reminder to other top recruits that something special is happening in Norman. The quarterback-tight end bond is often the heartbeat of an offense, and if early signs are any indication, Bentley and Ruxer could form one of the most electric duos in the SEC in the years to come. With their futures now linked and the Sooners’ recruiting machine gaining speed, Oklahoma fans have every reason to be excited. The 2026 class is still being written, but with Bentley leading the charge and Ruxer catching fire, the script looks promising. Boomer Sooner, indeed.
