Where ESPN ranks the Oklahoma Sooners’ 2022 recruiting class

ESPN released their updated team recruiting rankings for the 2022 cycle. Where do the Oklahoma Sooners fall this early?

The Oklahoma Sooners got off to a hot start in the 2022 recruiting cycle with the additions of Luther Burden, Talyn Shettron, and Jordan Hudson at wide receiver. Their lone defensive commit coming from Lubbock Cooper’s Kobie McKinzie. More recently they added Mater Dei’s Raleek Brown at running back and Aledo tight end, Jason Llewellyn.

According to the 247Sports composite team rankings, this puts OU at No. 7 in the country after finishing 2021 at No. 11 overall. However, other recruiting platforms have different viewpoints based on their own rankings. Rivals see Oklahoma at No. 5 overall and ESPN agrees with their team rankings as well.

According to ESPN (subscription required), the Sooners have a top-five class at this point in the cycle.

No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners

(Doug Hoke/The Oklahoman)

ESPN 300 Commits: 5

Top Offensive Commit: Talyn Shettron (No. 13)

Top Defensive Commit: Kobe McKinzie (No. 81)

Lincoln Riley may need to figure out a way to incorporate a second football into his offensive attack with the depth of playmakers he is amassing. The Sooners signed one of the best wide receiver classes in the 2021 cycle, and several more top offensive weapons are on board for 2022.

The class includes three ESPN Jr. 300 top-10 wide receivers: in-state prospect Shettron, Jordan Hudson out of Texas and Luther Burden, a fast and smooth target out of Illinois. Adding to the offensive firepower is top-three RB Raleek Brown, a sudden and speedy scatback-type who can be dangerous in space.

At this point to see the Sooners in the top five without a quarterback commit in the class or many defenders has to feel like a huge win for Lincoln Riley and company. It remains to be seen as to who the Sooners might add next. The offensive line, quarterback, and defense still have plenty of room to add top prospects.

As it currently sits, Oklahoma will have no shortage of top wide receivers for their quarterbacks to target on the football field. One shouldn’t expect a top quarterback to be targeted in the 2022 class and look at the 2023 class with Los Alamitos’ Malachi Nelson to lead the way.