Just like football and softball at Oklahoma, Skip Johnson also has multiple former players he could welcome back to the baseball program in 2027 thanks to the latest roster chaos throughout college sports.
In June, the NCAA adopted a new age-based "5-in-5" eligibility rule that gave student-athletes five years to play instead of four while also basically extincting redshirts. The rule was set to fully go into effect for the 2027 high school recruiting class, but then a federal judge on Friday ruled that all athletes from the 2022 recruiting class who just exhausted their fourth year of eligibility this past year are eligible for a fifth season in 2026-27. The NCAA will fight this ruling, but for now, athletes who fall in this category could return to their old program for another final season.
This news abruptly shook up college sports and immediately had fans everywhere questioning which players could return to their favorite teams. At Oklahoma, football, softball and baseball all had multiple players that the latest ruling opened a new door for.
Read more: Latest judge ruling just opened the door for 3 Oklahoma football players to return for 5th season
4 Oklahoma players that could rejoin Patty Gasso's roster after '5-in-5' rule chaos
Oklahoma's 2026 baseball roster that won a national title features four players that fit a possible return situation as athletes from the 2022 recruiting class that played four seasons and didn't just get selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, meaning their pro dreams are a longshot and another season in college is likely their best option if possible.
Oklahoma baseball players who could return for 5th season in 2027 after latest court ruling
Of the four players listed, Cayden Brumbaugh is the only one that wasn't a starter and big-time contributor to the Sooners' run to a national title. After transferring from Nebraska, where he had 61 starts in 2025, Brumbaugh made just two starts at second base and six appearances last season for the Sooners.
Brumbaugh might once again have a limited role in 2027 if he returned, but it would give him the opportunity to play alongside his brother, Carson, who just transferred from Arkansas. That's obviously a personal reason for Brumbaugh to return, but he's also a veteran with a ton of Power 4 experience that could only benefit the Sooners.
Jackson Cleveland is the guy Johnson should really be taking advantage of this opportunity for and trying to get back in crimson and cream. Cleveland had solidified himself as the Sooners' closer last season and even recorded OU's last out of 2026 with a strikeout to seal a national title. That's irreplaceable experience as the Sooners eye a return to Omaha.
After the season, Cleveland signed with the Kansas City Royals as an undrafted free agent, but that means just pennies and an uphill battle to make it all the way. Cleveland returning to Norman would be best-case scenario for both him and the program.
Despite starting in 63 games on a national championship squad, outfielder Trey Gambill just went undrafted. He was the Sooners' primary left fielder in 2026 while hitting .285 with 50 runs and 40 RBI.
Gambill returning would be a boost for both him and Oklahoma's lineup as another returning starter. The more players with CWS experience on OU's 2027 roster the better for Johnson, especially in the starting lineup.
Dayton Tockey is already an OU legend thanks to one swing of the bat. He hit the walk-off home run to upset No. 2 Georgia Tech in the Atlanta Regional that could be credited for propelling the Sooners to an unprecedented run to a national title.
Forgotten because of Tockey's postseason heroics was that he actually lost his starting job at first base at one point during the season after struggling. However, he was an absolute beast throughout the NCAA Tournament, so if he's even close to that form in 2027, he would not only be able to resume his starting role, but be a monster in the Sooners' lineup.
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