Sooners 2026 freshman is already making a guarantee about his freshman season that would give OU fans Deja Vu
The Sooners may have something special in LeBron Bauer.
There aren’t many teams recruiting better than the Oklahoma Sooners when it comes to the value they’re getting. How many teams are hitting on non-blue-chip prospects like the Sooners are?
Just last season, Oklahoma’s starting corners were both former three-stars: a sophomore in Eli Bowen and a freshman in Courtland Guillory. In addition, perhaps their best defensive player, Taylor Wein, was a three-star, among several other standout contributors. Oklahoma excels at developing players who make early impacts, so it’s reasonable to expect that some freshmen in the 2026 recruiting class could see the field next season. One freshman has already promised that it will happen.
2026 CB LeBron Bauer promises to play as a freshman
“Mark my words, Sooner family, you will see us on the field as true freshmen. We came from nothing, we are willing to sacrifice anything for this program,” Bauer wrote on Twitter above a picture of him and Sooners 2026 freshman safety Markel Ford.
They’re not the same player, but Bauer shares some key traits with Guillory, who emerged as a true freshman last season. Both are considered a bit undersized for their position—Bauer is 5’10, 160 pounds—yet they use that status to fuel their play. Like Guillory, Bauer displays a high level of confidence and intensity, turning perceived weaknesses into strengths on the field. These are two players who compete relentlessly and stand out for their high motor.
As for Ford, he’s a hard hitter that head coach Brent Venables described as a player who will take the opposing team’s players’ souls. Those are two players who have the ability to make plays in year one, and who can especially do so on special teams. With Venables as your defensive coach, the way you see the field more quickly is by being a special teams ace.
Both of these guys can do that, and who knows, maybe they could do what Guillory did last season and immediately be the starter. I wouldn’t put that kind of pressure on them, but I also wouldn’t say it’s impossible.
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