OU stud true freshman Jake Kreul just got to spend time with the two perfect NFL edge rushers to help his development
The Oklahoma Sooners love what they’re going to be getting in Jake Kreul, who took pictures with Maxx Crosby and Von Miller
Oklahoma Sooners five-star edge rusher Jake Kreul spent this week at the Sack Summit alongside two of the best pass rushers in NFL history, Von Miller and Maxx Crosby. For a player of Kreul’s profile and potential, there might not be a better pair of mentors on the planet.
Kreul, the No. 9 edge rusher in his recruiting class and a top-50 player nationally, was the Sooners’ biggest win in the 2026 recruiting cycle. He posted pictures with both Miller and Crosby from the event. The connection to Crosby runs deeper than a photo opportunity. Kreul has compared himself to the Las Vegas Raiders star in terms of approach, emphasizing technical refinement over raw athleticism, height, or length.
Crosby is the perfect model for Kreul’s development
When you look at what Crosby does, the comparison makes sense. Crosby is considered the most balanced edge rusher in football. He plays the run at an elite level and can win off the edge with speed just as well. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Crosby still finished with 10.5 sacks, 73 tackles, and 28 tackles for loss in 15 games. That kind of production, while banged up, speaks to the technical foundation Kreul wants to build for himself.
Kreul will even wear No. 98 for the Sooners this fall, the same number Crosby wears in Las Vegas. The details matter with this kid. And, they paint the picture of a player who has studied exactly what he wants to become.
Will Kreul see the field as a freshman?
The big question heading into fall camp is how much playing time Kreul will get right away. Oklahoma fans know how coach Brent Venables handles his defensive line rotations. Venables loves keeping his front fresh, cycling bodies in and out to maintain intensity throughout a game. That philosophy could open the door for Kreul to earn meaningful snaps even as a true freshman.
If Venables determines Kreul is ready, the rotation approach gives him a natural entry point without needing to unseat a starter. If Oklahoma’s coaching staff decides to redshirt him or limit his role, then 2027 becomes a massive year for his development. Either way, spending time this summer learning from Miller and Crosby puts Kreul ahead of the curve.
The Sooners landed a player who was the No. 7 prospect out of Florida and a consensus top-50 national recruit. Kreul’s trip to the Sack Summit shows he’s already investing in the kind of offseason work that separates good college pass rushers from future NFL ones.