Oklahoma Sooners just landed a playmaker with elite potential who has a very unique relationship to OU
The Oklahoma Sooners are not slowing down in their recruiting for the 2027 class, as we have seen just over the last few days.
The Oklahoma Sooners have always recruited well in Arkansas, a neighboring state that historically hasn’t recruited its own players. So, OU has taken advantage of that.
In the 2026 recruiting class, the Sooners landed Matthew Nelson, one of the best players in Arkansas. In the 2025 recruiting class, the Sooners landed four-star Arkansas players Omarion Robinson and Marcus Wimberly. Now, on Thursday, the Sooners landed another Arkansas recruit in Samuel Nelson, the best defensive player in that state, and the brother of Matthew Nelson.
“God’s timing is my timing, and tonight confirmed what I have been feeling. Coach Chavis said it felt like Deja vu, and my dad’s shirt, translated, means it is finished!!! Nothing else needs to be said. I’m officially ending my recruitment and will be joining my brother(s) at OU Boomer,” Samuel Nelson tweeted when he announced his recruitment coming to an end.
The Sooners had been targeting Samuel Nelson for some time. He plays at the best high school football program in the state of Arkansas, ever. They have won seven straight State Championships, and the Sooners noticed how good Samuel was while watching his older brother. This is not a circumstance of nepotism—Samuel is the real deal.
Samuel Nelson’s rankings
- 1000+ National recruit in 2027 by On3/Rivals
- No. 1 player in Arkansas by Rivals, No. 6 in Arkansas by Rivals Ranking Composite System
- 500 National Recruit by 247 Sports
- No. 41 edge rusher by 247 Sports
Who is Samuel Nelson, the Sooners’ newest 2027 commit?
Samuel Nelson, Rivals’ No. 1 player in Arkansas, is 6’3, 230 pounds. He’s got great length, and his arm usage is good when attacking leverage on the edge. And he has a great bend at the position, given his age and the competition he plays against.
He’s the No. 39 edge in the 2027 recruiting class and chose OU over Arkansas and Florida State. Many fans will see the three-star rating and think this commitment isn’t a big deal. However, I’d like to remind you all that the Sooners often take three-star players and turn them into superstars. Taylor Wein, maybe the best player on the team last year, was a three-star. Courtland Guillory started as a three-star true freshman last season.
Nelson and his brother can develop under defensive ends, coach Miguel Chavis.
