Horrendous Decision’ Echoes Online as Brent Venables Lands 4-Star 6’4” Recruit Noah Best in Polarizing Sooners Commitment”

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables made headlines on June 9, 2025, when he secured a commitment from Noah Best, a 4-star interior offensive lineman from the 2026 recruiting class. At 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, Best fits the physical mold of a dominant trench presence, but his commitment has stirred up a whirlwind of reactions across the college football landscape.

Best, who chose the Sooners over Missouri and Kansas State, announced his decision through a brief video posted to his social media channels, thanking his family and coaches while donning an Oklahoma cap. Though the news marked another high-profile addition to Venables’ recruiting haul, it also sparked sharp criticism, particularly from segments of the college football fanbase that remain unconvinced about the direction of the Sooners program under Venables.

Many fans took to social media to question the significance of the commitment, with one pointed tweet gaining traction: “OU scrapping with Kansas State for recruits now fall off needs to be studied.” The implication was clear—some believe the Sooners, once perennial contenders for top-tier national talent, are now settling in the regional recruiting race. This line of criticism has become increasingly common in the wake of Oklahoma’s recent struggles, most notably their 6-7 finish in the 2024 season.

Another fan wrote, “Horrendous decision,” tagging Best directly in a post that claimed the young offensive lineman “just made the worst mistake of his football life.” Others called out Venables specifically, saying, “He should focus on winning games, not posing with recruits.”

Venables has been under increasing pressure as the program transitions fully into the SEC. While his tenure began with high expectations, the results on the field have left many wondering whether he can steer the Sooners back to national relevance. Last season’s underwhelming record did little to quiet the critics, and every move—including recruiting decisions—now carries additional weight.

But the outrage is far from universal. For every skeptical or outright hostile reaction, there were also plenty of voices praising Best’s decision and applauding Venables’ ability to attract blue-chip talent despite a challenging season.

“Smart decision. Young man over Mizzou,” one Oklahoma fan wrote in support of Best’s commitment. “You go play where you’ll be developed and get exposure. Oklahoma still has pedigree.”

Another fan added, “Venables might not be perfect, but our OL development is still miles ahead of K-State or Mizzou. Welcome, Noah!”

Best’s film reveals an explosive first step, strong punch at the point of attack, and an ability to anchor effectively in pass protection. His high school coaches have described him as a student of the game, lauding his work ethic and leadership on and off the field. As part of a 2026 class that is still in its early stages, his commitment represents a foundational piece—both literally and figuratively—for the Sooners’ future offensive line.

The broader significance of Best’s pledge, however, can’t be divorced from the current state of the Oklahoma program. With SEC play looming, the Sooners are looking to establish a new identity—one rooted in physicality and trench dominance. Offensive line play will be critical to any success they hope to achieve, and in that context, Best’s addition fits a clear vision.

Still, that hasn’t stopped fans and pundits from turning the commitment into a flashpoint for larger concerns. Recruiting analyst Marcus Delgado told a local station, “The backlash isn’t really about Noah Best. He’s a good player. The backlash is about perception—Oklahoma fans are used to fighting Alabama and Georgia for recruits, not Kansas State and Missouri.”

He added, “Venables needs wins on the field to stop these narratives. Until then, even solid commitments are going to be picked apart.”

That may be true, but it’s also true that Best’s commitment comes at a time when Venables has quietly started to rebuild the Sooners’ depth chart with a focus on long-term development. The 2025 season opener against Illinois State won’t be a marquee test, but it could be an opportunity for Venables to showcase some early momentum and silence detractors—if only temporarily.

In the wake of Best’s decision, the Sooners coaching staff has doubled down on their recruiting efforts in the trenches, with offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh continuing to lead the charge. Bedenbaugh has long been credited with developing NFL-caliber talent in Norman, and the hope is that Best will follow in the footsteps of former standouts like Orlando Brown Jr. and Creed Humphrey.

For Best, the commitment offers clarity and a platform. He’ll be entering a program with a rabid fanbase, intense media scrutiny, and the challenge of competing in college football’s most physical conference. But he’ll also have the opportunity to make a name for himself at a school that, despite recent struggles, still carries the legacy of multiple national titles and Heisman winners.

It’s easy to forget that recruiting is ultimately about fit—about finding the right coaching staff, system, and developmental path. While some fans may see Oklahoma’s competition with Kansas State and Missouri as a downgrade, Best clearly saw something in the Sooners that aligned with his goals.

“Best is a grinder,” his high school coach said in a phone interview. “He’s not about flash. He’s about work. Oklahoma gives him a place to do that. They believe in him.”

For Brent Venables, it’s another step forward, albeit one surrounded by noise. As he prepares for what may be a make-or-break campaign, Venables will need to turn commitments like Best’s into production on Saturdays. The honeymoon is long over in Norman, and the SEC doesn’t offer patience as part of its welcome package.

But for now, Venables and his staff can celebrate landing a talented prospect who fits the mold of what they want to build. Whether fans embrace that vision—or continue to hammer it with cynicism—remains to be seen. One thing is certain: every commitment from here on out will be judged not just by stars, but by wins.