Oklahoma Sooners Continue Strong Recruiting Momentum as Jordan Clay Decision Nears and 2024 Class Looks Poised to Deliver Big
The Oklahoma Sooners football program is operating at full throttle as the Brent Venables era continues to shape the next generation of Sooners stars. With momentum steadily building in Norman, two major developments have captured the attention of the fanbase and college football observers alike—Jordan Clay’s looming decision in the 2026 class and the much-anticipated debut of the 2024 recruiting class, one of the best in recent memory.
The Sooners are once again proving they belong in the conversation among college football’s elite, both on the recruiting trail and in preseason expectations. With a combination of strategic vision, cultural alignment, and relentless effort, Venables and his staff have reinvigorated a program hungry to return to national championship contention.
All eyes are currently locked on Jordan Clay, the electrifying 2026 wide receiver recruit who has drawn national attention for his dynamic playmaking abilities. A top-tier target for multiple blue-blood programs, Clay’s relationship with Oklahoma’s coaching staff appears to be a critical factor in his recruitment. His visits to Norman have gone exceptionally well, and sources close to the process suggest the Sooners have positioned themselves favorably ahead of his highly anticipated announcement.
Clay’s skill set is tailor-made for the type of offense Oklahoma envisions going forward—fast-paced, vertical, and explosive. Standing at 6-foot-2 with elite speed, exceptional hands, and refined route-running technique for his age, Clay could be the crown jewel of the Sooners’ 2026 class if they manage to secure his commitment. His addition would mark another major victory for the program as it seeks to establish a foothold in the SEC recruiting battles ahead.
But as the future inches closer with each recruiting cycle, the present is already bright. The Sooners’ 2024 recruiting class is regarded as one of the most complete and balanced groups in recent Oklahoma history. Top-to-bottom, this class reflects the changing identity under Venables—a focus on physicality, versatility, and leadership.
The 2024 class, which ranked inside the top 10 nationally, features several immediate-impact players on both sides of the ball. The headliners include five-star defensive lineman David Stone, a local product from Del City, whose decision to stay home sent a message to the rest of the country that Oklahoma is not only recruiting elite talent but also keeping it within state borders. Stone’s combination of size, explosiveness, and intelligence gives him NFL-level upside. He’s expected to play early and often.
Alongside Stone is another defensive standout, linebacker Sammy Brown from Georgia, who turned heads with his decision to pick Oklahoma over several powerhouse programs, including Clemson, Georgia, and Alabama. Brown is a natural leader with a relentless motor and has already earned praise from the coaching staff for his maturity and work ethic during offseason workouts.
On the offensive side, quarterback Michael Hawkins brings dual-threat capability that fits perfectly into offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s scheme. Hawkins has a cannon for an arm, natural poise in the pocket, and the athleticism to extend plays. He’s also been vocal in helping recruit other top players to Norman, emerging as a galvanizing force among his peers.
Complementing Hawkins is a versatile group of skill-position players, including wide receiver Zion Kearney and running back Taylor Tatum. Kearney, a fluid and speedy receiver out of Texas, has the ability to take the top off defenses and excel in the open field. Tatum, who spurned offers from the SEC and Big Ten to choose Oklahoma, is a physical runner with surprising burst and vision, drawing early comparisons to some of the program’s storied backs of the past.
The offensive line haul is equally encouraging. With several high-upside prospects like Eugene Brooks and Josh Aisosa, the Sooners are rebuilding the trenches with an eye toward the SEC grind that awaits. These linemen aren’t just athletic—they’re also coached with a mindset of nastiness and discipline that Venables and OL coach Bill Bedenbaugh demand.
Defensively, the Sooners’ 2024 class could be the one that changes the narrative. For years, Oklahoma’s Achilles heel has been inconsistency on the defensive side of the ball. But that may finally be changing. With players like Stone and Brown, plus defensive backs Jaydan Hardy and Michael Patterson-McDonald, the Sooners are stacking up both talent and depth.
Much of the credit goes to Venables, whose defensive acumen remains one of the best in the country. But his recruiting philosophy also reflects a broader commitment to cultural fit. This class isn’t just fast and strong—it’s filled with players who buy into the vision and values of the program. That focus on character and chemistry has brought a sense of unity and purpose that’s palpable throughout offseason camp.
There’s also a renewed energy among the fans. The Oklahoma faithful, passionate and proud, have responded enthusiastically to the new direction. Season ticket sales are up, spring game attendance broke records, and social media buzz surrounding the program has been relentless. The synergy between the team, the coaching staff, and the fanbase is driving belief that the Sooners are on the cusp of something special.
With the SEC transition now fully in motion, every recruiting victory matters that much more. The landscape of college football is evolving rapidly, with NIL, the transfer portal, and conference realignment reshaping how programs build and sustain success. In that context, Oklahoma’s aggressive and disciplined approach stands out.
Venables has embraced those changes without sacrificing the identity he believes makes Oklahoma great: toughness, accountability, and development. The staff he’s assembled—from coordinators to recruiting analysts—shares that mindset, and it shows in the results. The Sooners aren’t just chasing stars—they’re building a foundation.
Of course, none of this guarantees wins in the fall. The 2024 class will have to earn their stripes. There will be growing pains, especially with the SEC schedule looming. But there’s a confidence around the program that these freshmen aren’t just talented—they’re ready.
Early reports from summer workouts and team sessions indicate that several newcomers are already pushing veterans for playing time. That internal competition is exactly what Venables hoped to create. The message is clear: the best players will play, regardless of class or recruiting ranking.
For Jordan Clay, watching this 2024 class emerge may help finalize his decision. He’s seen how Oklahoma develops talent, how quickly freshmen can make an impact, and how the culture fosters both growth and accountability. In a world where top recruits are evaluating far more than just facilities and logos, Oklahoma offers a compelling package—coaching stability, a modern offensive philosophy, defensive credibility, and a community that embraces its athletes.
The coming weeks could mark another major milestone if Clay makes it official. And if he does, he won’t just be committing to a team—he’ll be joining a movement.
For Sooner fans, the excitement is well-earned. With the 2024 class gearing up for a breakout campaign and high-priority targets like Clay within reach, Oklahoma is sending a clear message to the rest of college football: the Sooners are building for sustained excellence, and they’re doing it the right way.
The future is bright in Norman—and it’s arriving faster than ever.
