Sooners 2026 DE Jake Kreul reveals a trait he already has that a lot of players don’t have until college
The Sooners can’t wait to get Kreul in the building in a few months.
The top recruit in the Oklahoma Sooners’ 2026 class is defensive end Jake Kreul. He has the skill and athleticism to compete in the SEC immediately. The Sooners believe Kreul is better than his typical four-star rating suggests. Soon, OU will have Kreul on campus to start preparing him for SEC-level competition.
Work defines Kreul. His strong work ethic on and off the field distinguishes him. Few players match his relentless drive.
Kreul likens his effort and motor to those of Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby
“I’ve always been passionate about football and like wanting to be the best, that never changed,” Kreul told On3’s Josh McCuistion at the Under Armour All-American Game. “But I think as I went to IMG, I started to understand what that next level of motor and effort was, and seeing it through guys in the league like Maxx Crosby or other players in college, I started to understand what it was and how it can affect games and make you stand out from others.
“So I kind of have tried to focus on that, and like, hey, I can control how hard I play. I can’t control how big I am, how tall I am, how long I am, but I can control how hard I play, and I’m gonna make sure I do that to the maximum of my abilities.”
Many freshmen are still adjusting to college, but not many have Kreul’s motor. As a freshman, Kreul will work to improve in practice and in games.
Having that quality—a relentless motor and effort comparable to Maxx Crosby, who is known for playing every snap with high intensity—embodies what it means to excel. Even if your coaches don’t let you play every snap, you play the snaps you’re allowed to play as if they’re your last. That’s the approach Kreul takes every day, especially in football.
The Sooners are excited for Kreul, who will compete with Taylor Wein, PJ Adebewore, Danny Okoye, and other freshmen for playing time in 2026.
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