Tag: Owen Hollenbeck

2025 Oklahoma Sooners commitment tracker

Oklahoma Sooners 2025 commitment tracker

The Oklahoma Sooners are off to a much faster start in the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag] than in 2024. In fact, Kevin Sperry committed to the 2025 class (March 13, 2023) before OU had received its first commitment for the 2024 class: [autotag]Jeremiah Newcombe[/autotag] (March 25, 2023).

The class has an Oklahoma flair. Five of the nine prospects hail from the Sooner State. And there could be more. The Sooners are working on landing talented in-state tight-end [autotag]Nate Roberts[/autotag].

The Sooners are in the mix for a number of the best prospects in the 2025 cycle, including five-star offensive tackles [autotag]Ty Haywood[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Fasusi[/autotag] and five-star defender [autotag]Jonah Williams[/autotag].

Oklahoma has done a fantastic job on the recruiting trail during the Brent Venables era, so there’s little doubt it will remain among the top 10 teams in the country.

Here are the players committed to the Oklahoma Sooners’ [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag].

Updated: April 28, 2024

Sooners pick up On3 prediction for underrated in-state offensive line prospect

After a successful spring game weekend, the Oklahoma Sooners picked up an On3 prediction for the underrated Antoni Ogumoro.

The Oklahoma Sooners have made significant progress for the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag]. One area where the Sooners are thriving on the recruiting trail is along the offensive line. They hold commitments from [autotag]Owen Hollenbeck[/autotag] and [autotag]Ryan Fodje[/autotag] and have put themselves in strong standing with blue-chip prospects like [autotag]Ty Haywood[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Fasusi[/autotag].

The Sooners have also moved the needle for one of the more under-the-radar prospects in the 2025 class, [autotag]Antoni Ogumoro[/autotag]. After spending time with the Sooners at the Oklahoma spring game, Josh McCuistion of SoonerScoop and On3 issued an On3 prediction favoring the Sooners.

Ogumoro is considered a three-star prospect by Rivals and On3 but has the potential to end up much higher in the 2025 recruiting rankings. On3 considers Ogumoro the No. 10 player in the state of Oklahoma and a top 25 interior offensive line prospect in the country.

The Elgin, Okla. product hasn’t been playing offensive line for very long, but he has all the tools to be a fantastic offensive lineman at the collegiate level.

Here’s what I had to say about Antoni Ogumoro back in March.

Omugoro is a legit athlete with the quickness and agility to be a star at the collegiate level. He moves well for someone 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds. A basketball player as well for Elgin, he’s also a physical offensive lineman at the point of attack.

Ogumoro shouldn’t be able to move the way he does at his size, but he’s fluid, athletic, and displays good footwork. His skills on the basketball court have translated better to the offensive line than they did to the defensive front, where he started out as a football player.

Don’t let the ranking or star status fool you. Ogumoro is a player. By the end of the cycle, he should be in blue-chip territory.

Ogumoro has set a commitment date for May 21, 2024. He holds offers from Oklahoma, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Kansas State, UNC, TCU, Virginia Tech, Duke, Cincinnati, and Iowa State.

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Sooners an early SEC winner in the 2025 recruiting class

The Oklahoma Sooners are one of the early winners in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

Brent Venables and his coaching staff can recruit. They’ve put together top 10 classes in each of their first national signing days in Norman. That includes the 2022 class, when they only had a couple of months to recover the class after Lincoln Riley left.

And they’re already off to a fantastic start to the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag]. According to College Sports Wire, the Oklahoma Sooners are one of the early winners out of the SEC in the 2025 cycle.

New to the SEC, Oklahoma currently holds nine commitments in their 2025 recruiting class to rank No. 6 in the nation, as well as second in the conference. Headlining that group is a trio of Top 200 prospects [autotag]Elijah Thomas[/autotag], [autotag]Ryan Fodje[/autotag], and [autotag]Kevin Sperry[/autotag], the first of which is one of the top players in the state of Oklahoma. – Mett Melton, College Sports Wire

Sperry made noise when he jumped the 2024 recruiting class with his March 2023 commitment. He’s been locked in since and helping Oklahoma recruit. The four-star prospect is a talented passer who could ascend to five-star status by the end of the cycle.

Wide receiver is a strength of this recruiting cycle. Emmett Jones has commitments from talented four-star prospects Elijah Thomas and  [autotag]Trynae Washington[/autotag], and three-star receiver [autotag]Gracen Harris[/autotag]. It’s a dynamic group with big-time playmaking ability. As Jones has shown us in his time with the Sooners, he’ll continue to recruit to add talent to the wide receiver group.

The Sooners 2025 recruiting class got a big boost from the addition of Ryan Fodje. They were ahead of the curve on Fodje, who’s gone from being largely unknown in recruiting circles to a top-100 prospect in the cycle. Fodje joins [autotag]Owen Hollenbeck[/autotag], who a lot of people believe will be a standout interior offensive lineman.

And they’re still in the mix for several five-star offensive tackles. Oklahoma’s been projected to land [autotag]Ty Haywood[/autotag], and many feel they’re in a good position for [autotag]Michael Fasusi[/autotag]. They also have moved the needle for [autotag]Antoni Omugoro[/autotag], an athletic offensive line prospect from Elk City.

Offensive line could end up having the star power that the defensive line had for the 2024 class.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Sooners are on track to land their fourth five-star prospect since Venables’ arrival if the projections for five-star safety [autotag]Jonah Williams[/autotag] hold up.

With less than a year to go in the 2025 recruiting cycle, the Sooners have positioned themselves to have another strong group of prospects joining the program next year.

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Oklahoma Sooners earn commitment from 3-Star OT Ryan Fodje

The Oklahoma Sooners picked up their 10th commitment in the 2025 recruiting cycle with a pledge from offensive tackle Ryan Fodje.

The Oklahoma Sooners hot start in the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag] continued Sunday morning with a commitment from offensive tackle [autotag]Ryan Fodje[/autotag].

Fodje is currently considered a three-star prospect according to 247Sports and On3 but has received a lot of buzz in recent months, picking up a number of high-profile offers.

In addition to the Sooners’ offer, Fodje holds offers from Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon, Nebraska, Missouri, Tennessee, and USC. He’s considered a top 30 offensive tackle prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle but could see his stock rise.

Last summer, Fodje spent time with the Sooners at Brent Venables Football Camp and earned an offer from Oklahoma in August. That August 26 offer from OU was his first, but over the last four months picked up 18 more offers. In the last couple of weeks, he received offers from Texas, Oklahoma State, and Oregon among others. He even spent time at Texas’ Junior Day on January 20.

The commitment marks the Sooners 10th in the [autotag]2025 recruiting cycle[/autotag] and second offensive line commitment, joining [autotag]Owen Hollenbeck[/autotag] from Melissa, Texas.

Fodje moves very well with his 6-foot-5, 275-pound frame. He has a nice first step in pass protection and uses his length well. As a run blocker, Fodje is a physical player. Once he engages his defender, he doesn’t disengage until the opponent is on the ground or the play is over. He does a great job driving his feet and blocking through the whistle. He’s a natural athlete who has all the tools to make a huge impact at the University of Oklahoma.

More: Oklahoma Sooners 2025 commitment tracker.

Ryan Fodje’s Recruiting Profile

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Oklahoma to host talented 2025 prospects for first Junior Day of new recruiting cycle

Oklahoma is hosting their first Junior Day for the Class of 2025. We’ve compiled a list of the expected or confirmed attendees.

Oklahoma’s recruiting has been borderline elite since Brent Venables took over as Norman’s head man. The three recruiting classes have been well-balanced from top to bottom. As the 2024 class begins to acclimate themselves as student-athletes on campus this month, the staff has pressed on and is looking ahead to the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag].

The 2025 class is a switch-up from the previous classes. If nothing else because the Sooners have a slew of commits already in the boat for 2025. In the last few years, Oklahoma has exploded onto the scene in the summer. Some early lifting and the byproduct of terrific relationships built over the last few years have already paid dividends for this staff. The Sooners already have nine commits for 2025.

Oklahoma will host its first Junior Day of the year Saturday in Norman, and we’ve done our best to compile a list of the names confirmed or expected to be in the building.

[autotag]Elijah Thomas[/autotag] – four-star WR – OU Commit

[autotag]Owen Hollenbeck[/autotag] – four-star IOL  – OU Commit

[autotag]Kevin Sperry[/autotag] – four-star QB – OU Commit

[autotag]Ka’Mori Moore[/autotag] –three-star DT  – OU Commit

[autotag]Caleb Cunningham[/autotag] – five-star WR

Emmanuel Choice – three-star WR

Kole Briehler – three-star DL

Demarius Robinson – RB

Max Granville – four-star EDGE

[autotag]Cobey Sellers[/autotag] – four-star CB

Deyjhon Pettaway – four-star CB

[autotag]Trystan Haynes[/autotag] – four-star CB

Omarion Robinson – four-star S

[autotag]Landon Rink[/autotag] – four-star DL

[autotag]Jonah Williams[/autotag] – five-star LB/S

Tory Blaylock – four-star RB

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Oklahoma Sooners earn commitment from 2025 OL Owen Hollenbeck

The Oklahoma Sooners picked up their ninth commitment in the 2025 recruiting cycle, earning a pledge from 3-Star OL Owen Hollenbeck.

The Oklahoma Sooners earned their first offensive line commitment of the 2025 recruiting cycle in Melissa interior offensive lineman Owen Hollenbeck.

Hollenbeck is currently considered a three-star prospect and the No. 50 interior offenisve lineman in the 2025 cycle, according to On3. As a junior in high school, Hollenbeck stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 295 pounds.

When you turn on the highlights, he displays good athleticism at his right guard spot. He’s a strong guy that looks to put his opponent in the ground.

Hollenbeck chose the Sooners over offers from Arkansas, Florida, SMU, and Texas A&M.

He’s the second commitment the Sooners have received from Melissa High School in Texas after picking up a pledge from 2024 defensive lineman [autotag]Nigel Smith[/autotag]. Hollenbeck is the ninth commitment in Oklahoma’s 2025 recruiting class.

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Oklahoma Sooners get prediction for 2025 3-Star offensive lineman

The Oklahoma Sooners continue their work on the recruiting trail, this time earning a prediction for a 2025 offensive lineman.

The 2023 regular season has come to an end for the Oklahoma Sooners. While they wait to find out their bowl game fate, the Sooners continue their work on the recruiting trail.

The early signing period is less than a month away for the [autotag]2024 recruiting class[/autotag], and the Sooners have that class pretty much set, barring any last-minute changes. So, OU continues to put in work on their already impressive [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag].

This time they have received a prediction from Collin Kennedy of Sooners Illustrated at 247Sports for three-star offensive lineman out of Melissa, TX, [autotag]Owen Hollenbeck[/autotag]. Hollenbeck is listed as a 6-foot-3, 310-pound interior offensive lineman. He also plays at the same high school as 2024 commit, [autotag]Nigel Smith II[/autotag].

He got his offer back on Aug. 4, 2023. He was also named a Texas 7-4A-I first-team all-district selection as a freshman back in 2021. It’s clear he’s been a priority for [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag] and Oklahoma. This year will be a big year when it comes to offensive line recruiting. The Sooners missed out on a lot of their high-end targets in 2024.

Oklahoma currently has eight commits and the No. 4 overall ranked class. They do not have any offensive linemen committed as of now. Hollenbeck, [autotag]Michael Fasusi[/autotag] and [autotag]Lamont Rogers[/autotag] are just a few of the names to watch along the offensive line for the 2025 class.

Hollenbeck currently doesn’t have a commit date set but as of right now, Oklahoma is in a very good spot.

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Four-star DL Nigel Smith II chooses Oklahoma Sooners over Texas, Texas A&M

Oklahoma is the choice for four-star defensive lineman Nigel Smith II. Smith commits to the Sooners over Texas, Texas A&M, and Penn State.

Oklahoma landed another defensive lineman from the state of Texas, earning a commitment from consensus four-star defensive lineman Nigel Smith II. Smith represents its fourth defensive line commitment of the 2024 cycle. He picked Oklahoma over Texas, Texas A&M and Penn State.

Smith has been in Oklahoma’s sights since the summer of 2022. The Sooners made an early significant impression on the talented defender. Since their offer, the Sooners continued building a rapport with Smith and making him a priority in this recruiting cycle.

Smith’s decision came at the opening of his Melissa High School’s new stadium. The talented prospect shut his recruitment down nearly a month ago. Since then, Oklahoma has remained the overwhelming favorite to land his commitment.

Smith was once considered a five-star prospect. He has the requisite size and weight and versatility to star in Brent Venables’ defense, which employs both three and four-man defensive fronts. His power jumps off the tape, but he’s fleet-footed enough that he can win with his lateral agility as well.

https://x.com/hayesfawcett3/status/1700305169018212422?s=46

This is a massive recruiting win for Oklahoma, and one it could not afford to lose. The Sooners have multiple defensive linemen who will have no eligibility or will graduate following this season. Hence, Smith’s pledge to the Sooners is even more critical. There’s a chance he could earn a role as a freshman out of pure necessity.

That’s another conversation for another day.

However, as Oklahoma continues to try and transform this roster into one capable of winning in the SEC, securing the pledge of a 6-foot-5, 260-pound defender is a big step in the right direction.

Adding Smith to the Sooners’ class vaults them inside the top 10. It is ranked eighth, according to the 247Sports team recruiting rankings. The Sooners are less than a point behind Tennesseee for the seventh-ranked class in the nation.

Smith becomes the fifth highest-ranked prospect in this Oklahoma recruiting class at No. 83 on 247Sports’ composite and No. 115 on 247Sports’ rankings.

Oklahoma isn’t done adding across its defensive front, though. It is the trending choice for one of the Sooner State’s best, four-star edge Danny Okoye.

Oklahoma also may not be done at Melissa High School. One of Smith’s teammates is also being recruited by the Sooners: Owen Hollenbeck. Hollenbeck is a 2025 interior offensive line prospect who was at Oklahoma on an unofficial last week for their first game of the year. He’s a name to watch over the next few months as well.

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