Oklahoma loses top in-state recruit to Bedlam rival

Bedlam isn't being played on the football field anymore, but the Oklahoma Sooners still took a loss from the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the only way they can compete now.

Top in-state recruit Tajh Overton on Friday announced his commitment to the Cowboys after narrowing down his choices to OSU, OU and Ole Miss.

Owasso product Tajh Overton commits to Oklahoma State

Overton is a consensus four-star defensive lineman from Owasso High School in Oklahoma. According to the 247Sports Composite, Overton is the No. 3 recruit in the state, but 247Sports by itself ranks him as the top player in the state from the 2026 class. The 247Sports Composite also ranks Overton as the No. 31 defensive lineman in the entire class.

Other offers for Overton included Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Kansas State, LSU, Miami, Nebraska, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Tulsa, USC, Utah, Washington and more.

So far, based on 247Sports' rankings, OU has missed out on all of the top-10 2026 in-state recruits who have announced decisions so far. The only one left that the Sooners have offered is three-star safety Braeden Presley from Bixby High School.

Presley is set to announce his decision on Thursday after narrowing it down to OU, OSU, Kansas State and Texas Tech. If he chooses someone other than OU, then it's likely the Sooners go without an in-state product in their 2026 class.

Of the top-10 in-state recruits, OSU has landed two after Overton's decision. OU legacy KD Jones, a three-star running back from Jenks, also chose the Cowboys over the Sooners despite his dad, Kejuan, playing at OU. Presley has connections to OSU, as both of his older brothers played there before one transferred to Tulsa.

So far, the Sooners have 13 commitments from the 2026 class. On3 is the highest on OU's group, ranking it at No. 22 in its team recruiting rankings. OSU is at No. 42 in those same rankings.

Read more about OU football recruiting