The 2025 recruiting class is rapidly approaching, with the early signing period just over two months away. While the Oklahoma Sooners are in the midst of their first season competing in the SEC, they are eager to capitalize on this transition to further boost their recruiting efforts and continue their rise as a program. Oklahoma hopes that their move to the SEC will help them attract even more high-level talent, as the league offers a stage for both recruiting and program growth that can help establish them as a national powerhouse.
Recently, Oklahoma extended a scholarship offer to four-star linebacker Kaleb Burns, who is currently committed to Baylor University and coach Dave Aranda. This marks a significant development in the recruiting process as Burns is considered one of the top prospects in the nation. Burns’ current commitment to Baylor, however, may not be as secure as it once seemed. The Baylor Bears are currently enduring a tough 2024 season, with a disappointing 2-3 record and a dismal 0-3 showing in Big 12 play. Their defense has been especially vulnerable, allowing an average of 31.67 points per game in conference competition. With the team struggling, the heat is on head coach Dave Aranda, and his job security has come into question. This turbulent situation has made Burns more open to considering other options, as he is reportedly willing to explore visits to different programs, including Oklahoma.
Burns, ranked as a four-star prospect by On3, holds the No. 146 spot nationally, the No. 30 linebacker ranking in the country, and is considered one of the top 50 players in the state of Texas. He originally committed to Baylor in late July, but with the struggles the Bears are facing, there are growing questions about whether his commitment will remain intact. According to Josh McCuistion of SoonerScoop (subscription required), Burns seems open to the possibility of visiting Oklahoma, signaling that the Sooners may have a strong chance to flip his commitment. McCuistion even made an On3 prediction favoring Oklahoma to land Burns, which could provide a significant boost to their 2025 recruiting class. A commitment from Burns would be a major win for the Sooners, who have already been building an impressive class.
Currently, Oklahoma has 21 players committed to their 2025 recruiting class, but they are still in search of a linebacker. The linebacker position is one area that the Sooners are particularly focused on, as they were light in their linebacker commitments in the 2024 recruiting cycle. This is a position that Oklahoma needs to strengthen for future seasons, as they look to replenish their depth and talent at the position. While Mason James is expected to join the team as a defensive player, potentially playing in the cheetah role, Oklahoma needs to secure more inside linebacker prospects to ensure that their defense remains strong in the years to come. The Sooners will be looking to bring in quality players to build the linebacker depth that is essential to their defensive scheme moving forward.
Under head coach Brent Venables and defensive coordinator Zac Alley, Oklahoma has made significant strides on the defensive side of the ball. Through the first five games of the 2024 season, their defense has shown noticeable improvement, and they are continuing to develop a stronger identity on that side of the field. The defensive coaching staff has worked hard to implement a system that emphasizes aggression, speed, and versatility, and the early results have been promising. With a number of high-profile matchups coming up in the remainder of the season, Oklahoma will have opportunities to further showcase the growth of their defense and the program as a whole. These upcoming games will give the Sooners a chance to highlight the strides they have made, both on the field and in their recruiting efforts, as they look to build a more dominant presence in the SEC.
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As the Sooners continue to navigate their first season in the SEC, they are well aware that the recruiting trail is just as important as on-field performance when it comes to building a sustainable, successful program. The 2025 class will be a critical one for Oklahoma, and the offer to Kaleb Burns is just one example of how they are working to secure top-tier talent. As the recruiting cycle heats up, the Sooners will look to build on their early successes in the SEC and establish themselves as a dominant force in college football. By continuing to bring in players like Burns, who can make an immediate impact on the field, Oklahoma hopes to build a team capable of competing for championships in the years to come.
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