The Oklahoma Sooners' 2027 recruiting class is already in the lead, but they're looking to run up the score. Or, based on what's coming, not let anyone else score.
Rivals and On3 recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong recently logged predictions for a staggering five defensive recruits to soon commit to the Sooners' 2027 class that's already No. 1 in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings, with 11 early commitments. The projected pledges could come as soon as this weekend with the momentum of the No. 8 Sooners hosting No. 9 Alabama for a rematch in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Oklahoma predicted to gain 5 defensive commitments to 2027 class
Those predicted to pledge to the Sooners include edge rusher Taven Epps, linebacker Case Alexander, defensive lineman Deven Robertson, and cornerbacks Gabriel Osborne Jr. and Juju Johnson. They would be added to four 2027 commitments so far on the defensive side of the ball.
Ranked as the No. 47 overall prospect in the class, according to the 247Sports Composite, Johnson would be the headliner of this group and highest-ranked defensive commit for the Sooners so far. Johnson, a four-star recruit, is also the No. 7 cornerback in the class. He would further strengthen OU's pipeline from California as the No. 6 player in the state out of Long Beach.
Also from California, Epps, listed as an edge rusher and linebacker, is the No. 11 prospect in the state and No. 7 linebacker in the class while being just outside the top 100 of overall rankings. The Sooners are currently in a battle with Red River rival Texas to land Epps.
Robertson, a three-star defensive lineman, is from the opposite direction in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He's the No. 48 DL in the class. He already announced a loaded top 10 of OU, Ohio State, LSU, Texas A&M, Florida, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Miami and Missouri.
Alexander and Osborne were both homegrown in Oklahoma. Osborne, from Mustang, is the No. 3 player in the state and No. 14 cornerback in the class, according to the 247Sports Composite. Alexander is the No. 5 player in Oklahoma out of Washington and No. 16 linebacker in the class. Both are four-star recruits.