The Oklahoma Sooners could be close to securing their first defensive commitment for the 2026 class.
Consensus three-star cornerback Ryan Gilbert on Monday announced via X his final three school choices, which included OU, SMU and Houston.
Announcement Soon! Where’s Home🏠🏠? @CoachShavers @CoachSowe @KoachMak @TheCoachKawesa #PonyUp #GoCoogs #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/uvRglLdjK1
— Ryan “Deuce” Gilbert II (@RyanGilbertII1) May 6, 2025
Sooners in top-3 for CB Ryan Gilbert
From North Forney High School in Texas, OU is the only program out of the state of Texas that Gilbert is still considering. According to 247Sports' Crystal Ball Predictions and Rivals' FutureCast, though, Gilbert is projected to leave his home state to be a Sooner.
Gilbert also had reported offers from Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Auburn, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and more.
He was originally committed to Texas A&M before decommitting on Feb.11. Gilbert had visited Norman just days before changing his mind and twice since. He has an official visit to OU scheduled for June 20. He'll visit SMU on June 6.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Gilbert is the No. 59 cornerback in the 2026 class and No. 90 overall prospect in talent-rich Texas.
Gilbert would be the Sooners' first defensive commit from the 2026 class as recruitment heats up in the summer. So far, OU has four commits from the offensive side of the ball, including quarterback Jaden O'Neal, wide receiver Daniel Odom, offensive lineman Will Conroy and tight end Ryder Mix.
The Sooners also recently made the top-5 for defensive end Jake Kreul, who ESPN rates as a five-star prospect and is scheduled to visit Norman the same day as Gilbert during OU's ChampU weekend.
Read more about OU football recruiting