Oklahoma Sooners take major step forward in securing big-time offensive playmaker away from SEC and Big Ten rivals
The Oklahoma Sooners are one step closer to pulling in a tremendous offensive talent in their 2026 recruiting class
The Oklahoma Sooners have stayed hot on the recruiting trail ever since Jim Nagy took over as general manager of the program, particularly in the class of 2026. What was once a class of just one player (WR Daniel Odom) has now grown into 23 different recruits and is the 17th-ranked class in the country.
While the Sooners are surging thanks to recent wins over the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide, other teams have struggled this season, and Oklahoma has been quick to capitalize. After Penn State fired head coach James Franklin, the Sooners flipped former Nittany Lions commit wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers. Now, they are aiming to flip another former recruit away from Penn State to add to their ever-growing class of 2026 as they aim to finish strong ahead of the Early Signing Period.
Elite 2026 running back Messiah Mickens has narrowed down his choices to the Oklahoma Sooners, Ole Miss Rebels, and Indiana Hoosiers.
Messiah Mickens Recruiting Profile
- Mickens is the 13th-ranked running back nationally according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings
- Mickens would become the second running back in Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class, joining DeZephen Walker.
- Also holds offers from Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oregon
The Pennsylvania native is one of the most-sought after running back recruits in the class of 2026. A top-ten player from the state, Mickens is a prototypical size at running back at 5’10, 210 pounds, but he brings strong speed with some solid track times in his background.
Remarkably, Mickens also has extensive experience on defense as well, mostly lining up as an outside linebacker. In 2024, he boasted 81 tackles and 16.5 sacks on top of 1,214 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. This is a fascinating recruiting profile, and his physicality and versatility are obvious standouts for Brent Venables and Oklahoma’s coaching staff.
What should give the Sooners hope here is that Mickens is slated to visit the Sooners next weekend when they take on the LSU Tigers. This visit will give Oklahoma the last chance to make an impression before Early Signing Period begins, and it could be a big one for the Sooners. If they can close this one out, the future of Oklahoma’s running back stable looks to be in strong hands.
Oklahoma Sooners News
Oklahoma Sooners predicted to flip elite offensive blue chip weapon away from struggling Big Ten team who could be their next big play threat
This could be a big time recruiting win for Brent Venables and Oklahoma’s coaching staff
