As if taking lessons from Patty Gasso's squad down the road at Love's Field, the Oklahoma football team has been swinging for the fences on the recruiting trail and it doesn't matter where the target is.
Jayden Bell, a five-star edge rusher in the 2028 class, announced via X on Monday that he received an offer from the Sooners to join an already lengthy list of college options.
Sooners start pursuit of 2028 edge rusher Jayden Bell
Humbly honored and profoundly grateful to receive an offer from the University of Oklahoma #boomersooner @AllenTrieu @TomLoy247 @ChadSimmons_ @BrandonHuffman @GregBiggins @SWiltfong_ @adamgorney @Coach_AMarshall @PrepRedzoneMI @MichFBFrenzy @EDGYTIM @MiguelChavis65 pic.twitter.com/d5muojCG1q
— Jayden “Jbell “ Bell 6’5 DE ‘28 (@jaydenbell08) April 27, 2026
Just now wrapping up his sophomore year at Brother Rice High School in Michigan, Bell already has a list of reported offers from about 30 programs, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, in-state Michigan, in-state Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and more.
Bell hasn't visited Norman yet, but has already been to Michigan State (three times), Michigan (two times), Ohio State (two times), Penn State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Indiana, Florida, Georgia and Georgia Tech, according to Rivals. OU head coach Brent Venables will have to get Bell in Oklahoma this summer and during the 2026 season to seriously be considered.
Read more: Sooners gaining serious ground with 2028 defender after big visit
According to the 247Sports Composite, Bell, already listed at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, is the No. 19 player in the 2028 class and No. 3 edge rusher. He's also the No. 2 prospect in the state of Michigan, where the Sooners will have the tough task of out-dueling the in-state Wolverines to get Bell to Norman. A win over Michigan in Ann Arbor this season could benefit the Sooners there, though.
Bell is more of a speed rusher off the edge, similar to NFL-bound R Mason Thomas, who runs a 12.59 in the 100-meter dash while also competing in track. He'll also develop more power as he matures during his final two high school seasons.
Last season as a sophomore, Bell recorded 60 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception while earning All-State honors in Michigan.
Bell is the Sooners' latest offer as they've fully shifted focus on beginning to assemble their 2028 class, which still needs its first commit. OU has also recently set sights on top defensive targets in five-star linebacker Tahj Gray and four-star safety Brandon Nash.
Add us as a preferred source on Google