OU DNA runs deep.
Samuel Nelson, a 2027 edge rusher considered the best player in Arkansas, announced via X on Thursday night that he committed to the Sooners to follow his older brother, Matthew, to Norman. Nelson ultimately made the decision after a recent visit from OU defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis, who has earned every penny of his recent raise.
"Nothing else needs to be said. I’m officially ending my recruitment and will be joining my brother(s) at OU," Nelson wrote in his announcement.
Samuel Nelson following brother Matthew to Sooners
God’s timing is my timing and tonight confirmed what I have been feeling coach Chavis said it felt like Dejavu and my dad’s shirt translated means it is finished!!! Nothing else needs to be said. I’m officially ending my recruitment and will be joining my brother(s) at OU🔥Boomer pic.twitter.com/llGLSMSF0Z
— Samuel Nelson (@SamNFootBall) May 1, 2026
Nelson is a consensus three-star recruit that 247Sports ranks as the top prospect in the state of Arkansas out of Bryant High School, where he was teammates and dominated on the same defensive line as his brother. Last season, with his brother coming off the other edge, Nelson tallied 47 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Nelson, listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, is the No. 41 edge rusher in the 2027 class. He ultimately chose the Sooners over other offers from in-state Arkansas, Florida State, Kansas State, North Texas, South Florida and more. OU was Nelson's first FBS offer back in October 2025, which also helped lead to securing him now.
Nelson was the 21st 2027 commit OU landed and third edge rusher added to the group after Taven Epps and Krew Jones, who are both considered top-20 prospects at their position.
Matthew, listed at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, just got to Norman after signing to the Sooners' 2026 class as a three-star prospect and No. 48 edge rusher in the country. Now, his brother will join him on the same roster again a year later.
The Nelson brothers will add yet another pair of siblings on the defensive side of the ball. The unit already includes Peyton and Eli Bowen in the secondary and twins Beau and Niko Jandreau, who signed together with the 2026 class. There's also still a chance for another set of brothers to join in 2027 if running back Tory Blaylock's brother, Trenton, a cornerback, commits after recently putting OU in his top 8.
It's a trend that could be considered a coincidence, but it really speaks volumes about Brent Venables' program that players are so bought in that they also want their brother to join what they're experiencing.
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