Seven In-State Prospects in the 2026 Cycle Who Could Earn an Offer from OU

As the Oklahoma Sooners continue to build their football program under head coach Brent Venables, recruiting in-state talent remains a key focus for the program. Oklahoma has long had a tradition of developing homegrown talent, and with the 2026 recruiting cycle beginning to take shape, there are several exciting in-state prospects who could potentially earn an offer from OU.

These players, hailing from various corners of the state, are not only top performers in their respective high school programs but also have the skills, attributes, and potential to make an impact at the collegiate level. Here’s a closer look at seven in-state prospects in the 2026 cycle who could be on Oklahoma’s radar.

1. Braylon James (Wide Receiver, Norman North High School)

Braylon James, a wide receiver from Norman North High School, has been a standout player in the 2026 recruiting class. Standing at 6’3” and already showcasing remarkable speed and agility, James has developed into one of the most exciting playmakers in the state. Known for his ability to stretch the field and make big plays downfield, he has been the focal point of the Norman North offense.

James is already drawing attention from top programs across the country, but it’s his ties to the state of Oklahoma that make him a prime candidate for an offer from OU. His strong connection to the area, combined with his elite skill set, makes him an ideal fit for the Sooners’ offensive system, which thrives on explosive plays and getting the ball to dynamic playmakers in space.

Braylon’s ability to create separation and make difficult catches in high-pressure situations is something that would make him an excellent addition to OU’s wide receiver corps. With his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, he has the potential to make an immediate impact in Norman.

2. Trevor Brown (Quarterback, Tulsa Union High School)

Tulsa Union High School has long been a breeding ground for top-tier talent, and Trevor Brown is a quarterback who could continue that tradition. Standing at 6’4” and already possessing a strong arm, Brown has the tools to be a top-tier quarterback prospect in the 2026 class. He has shown an impressive ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball with accuracy on all levels of the field.

Oklahoma has consistently been a contender for top quarterbacks in recent cycles, and Trevor Brown could very well be the next one to join their ranks. His poise under pressure, leadership qualities, and overall skill set make him an intriguing candidate for OU’s quarterback position in the future.

With Oklahoma’s strong history of developing quarterbacks, Brown’s ability to thrive in a pass-heavy offense would be a perfect fit. The Sooners have built a strong pipeline of quarterbacks over the years, and if Brown continues to develop, he could see an offer coming his way in the near future.

3. Damon Miller (Defensive Lineman, Edmond Santa Fe High School)

Damon Miller is one of the top in-state defensive line prospects in the 2026 cycle. At 6’5” and over 280 pounds, Miller has the size, strength, and explosiveness to make an immediate impact at the next level. His ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage, rush the passer, and be a force against the run has made him one of the top recruits in the state of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma’s defense has continued to improve under Brent Venables, and Miller could be a great fit for their defensive front. With his combination of size, strength, and agility, he could play multiple positions on the defensive line, making him a versatile asset for the Sooners’ defense.

Miller has been a constant presence on the field for Edmond Santa Fe, where he has shown the ability to dominate at the point of attack and pressure opposing quarterbacks. As he continues to refine his skills, the Sooners would be wise to keep a close eye on his recruitment, as he could be a potential game-changer on their defensive front in the coming years.

4. Elijah Scott (Running Back, Mustang High School)

Elijah Scott is an explosive running back out of Mustang High School who has the potential to be a dynamic weapon in any offense. Standing at 6’0” and weighing in at 205 pounds, Scott has the combination of size, speed, and power that is necessary to succeed at the collegiate level. His vision, patience, and ability to break tackles make him a dangerous runner between the tackles, while his speed allows him to break off long runs when he gets to the second level.

Scott’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another layer to his game, making him an ideal fit for an offense that likes to utilize running backs in a variety of ways. With Oklahoma’s continued emphasis on a balanced offensive attack, Scott’s skill set would complement the Sooners’ run-heavy approach while still being capable of contributing to the passing game.

As a local product, Scott could be a natural fit for OU’s program, and if his production continues to shine on the field, expect the Sooners to show serious interest in offering him a spot in their backfield.

5. Jackson Howard (Offensive Tackle, Broken Arrow High School)

The offensive line has been a point of emphasis for Oklahoma in recent recruiting cycles, and Jackson Howard out of Broken Arrow High School is one of the top in-state prospects in the 2026 class who could potentially add to that pipeline. Standing at 6’6” and weighing in at 320 pounds, Howard possesses the size and athleticism to become a standout offensive tackle at the next level.

Howard is known for his exceptional strength and physicality at the line of scrimmage, as well as his ability to move defenders off the ball in both the run and pass game. His ability to protect the quarterback while opening running lanes makes him a highly coveted prospect for college programs, and Oklahoma is no exception.

With the Sooners continuing to build one of the best offensive lines in the country, adding a player of Howard’s caliber would help further strengthen their front. Given his potential to develop into a dominant force on the line, he’s certainly a player who could earn an offer from OU in the near future.

6. Kayden Taylor (Linebacker, Choctaw High School)

Kayden Taylor, a linebacker from Choctaw High School, is one of the most versatile defenders in the state of Oklahoma. At 6’2” and 220 pounds, Taylor has the ability to play multiple linebacker positions, whether it be on the outside or in the middle. He has demonstrated the ability to read plays quickly, pursue the ball carrier, and be a physical presence on the field.

Taylor is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who brings both speed and strength to the table. His ability to cover ground and make plays in both the run game and in pass coverage makes him a potential key player for any defense at the next level. The Sooners’ defense, under Brent Venables, values linebackers who can cover a lot of ground and make plays in space, and Taylor fits that mold perfectly.

Oklahoma’s recruiting department has already shown interest in Taylor, and if his development continues on track, it’s highly likely that an offer will come his way. His leadership and physicality would make him an excellent fit for OU’s defensive scheme.

7. Trevor Lewis (Cornerback, Lawton High School)

Trevor Lewis, a cornerback from Lawton High School, is one of the top defensive back prospects in the state. At 5’11” and 175 pounds, Lewis possesses excellent speed, quickness, and ball skills that make him a shutdown corner on the field. He has the ability to cover wide receivers both on the outside and in the slot, and his high football IQ allows him to make plays in the passing game.

As Oklahoma continues to build one of the top defenses in the country, Lewis could be a perfect fit for their secondary. With his ability to cover a wide range of receivers, as well as his ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball, Lewis could play a major role in the Sooners’ defense. His ability to lock down receivers would help Oklahoma continue their trend of having a strong defensive backfield.

Lewis is a player to watch in the coming months, and his performance in the 2025 season will likely determine whether or not he gets an offer from Oklahoma.

The 2026 recruiting cycle is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Oklahoma Sooners, particularly when it comes to in-state talent. With several standout players in various positions, the Sooners are poised to continue their tradition of building from within their home state. The seven prospects mentioned above represent some of the best in-state talent in Oklahoma, each bringing a unique skill set and potential that could make a significant impact at OU.

As the Sooners continue to build under Brent Venables, keeping a strong in-state recruiting pipeline will be crucial. These players, along with many others, are sure to be the future of Oklahoma football, and if they continue to develop and perform at a high level, an offer from the Sooners may be in their near future.