The Texas Longhorns, Steve Sarkisian miss out on one of the top remaining 2026 prospects available – losing battle to Red River rival
On Tuesday, IMG Academy (Fla.) EDGE Jake Kreul announced his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners live on ESPN’s College Football Live. He chose Brent Venables’ program over the Ole Miss Rebels and the Texas Longhorns.Kreul picking Oklahoma isn’t anything to be up in arms about if you’re a Texas fan. Sarkisian’s defensive front group is […]
On Tuesday, IMG Academy (Fla.) EDGE Jake Kreul announced his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners live on ESPN’s College Football Live. He chose Brent Venables’ program over the Ole Miss Rebels and the Texas Longhorns.
Kreul picking Oklahoma isn’t anything to be up in arms about if you’re a Texas fan. Sarkisian’s defensive front group is absolutely loaded for second-year coach Kenny Baker. Texas holds commitments from five-star Richard Wesley and four-stars James Johnson, Vodney Cleveland, Dylan Berymon, and Corey Wells. But, still, it stings to lose a top-rated prospect to your rival.
Kreul is ranked as the No. 61 overall prospect in the country, per 247Sports. He is the country’s 8th-ranked EDGE prospect and the No. 7 recruit in the state of Florida.
Scouts rave about Jake Kreul’s pass rush ability.
247Sports’ director of scouting Andrew Ivins is buying all the stock.
“Polished pass rusher that can win early or late with his technique and hustle. Might not blow you away off the hoof with his build, but game tape paints a different picture as he dips, rips and swipes his way through and around obstacles,” Ivins said. “Has proven to be an extremely efficient mover that can plant and redirect with little waisted motion.
“Owns a near complete menu of moves and is quick to cycle them as he likes to keep opponents guessing,” Ivins said. “Not one that has been asked to really anchor or hold up traffic, but tends to make plenty of effort-based stops in pursuit as he charges down the cleat line and gets ball carriers on the ground. Overall, should be viewed as an extremely advanced edge defender for his age.
“Easy to wonder how much more can be squeezed out of the player after he spent the past few years honing his craft at the NFL factory that is IMG Academy, but testing profile (1.65 split in the 10-yard dash, 4.18 in the short shuttle) and competitive drive signal that he’s got what it takes to make an impact at the Power Four level and then eventually become a pro,” Ivins said. “Likely to stick on the corner, but could always move closer to the ball depending on scheme and maturation.”
This is a tough loss for Texas who are still vying for the No. 1 overall class in the 2026 cycle.
The Longhorns have seemingly cemented its footing inside the Top 5 despite missing out on Kreul. With a full season on the horizon and plenty more opportunities for flips, Sarkisian’s staff has already done a phenomenal job building this 21 person class.
Led by five-star quarterback Dia Bell, this is a group you can build around for years to come in Austin, Tex. I expect Texas to continue to monitor Kreul’s recruitment and continue to chase him. In fact, if Oklahoma does not have a 2025 season worth celebrating, things might change for Kreul down the stretch.
If this happens, Texas will be there waiting.
