BREAKING: Oklahoma Lands Four-Star 2026 Linebacker Jakore Smith

BREAKING: Oklahoma Lands Four-Star 2026 Linebacker Jakore Smith

 

In a major recruiting win for Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners, four-star linebacker Jakore Smith has officially announced his commitment to the Sooners’ 2026 recruiting class. Smith, one of the top-rated defenders in the nation, chose Oklahoma over several powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Texas, and Georgia, marking another significant addition to the Sooners’ defensive future.

 

Smith, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker from Buford High School in Georgia, is ranked among the top 10 linebackers nationally and a top-100 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle. Known for his explosive burst, sideline-to-sideline range, and elite football instincts, Smith has been one of the most heavily pursued defenders in the class. His commitment signals Oklahoma’s growing dominance on the recruiting trail, particularly in the Southeast.

 

“Oklahoma just felt like home,” Smith told reporters following his commitment. “Coach Venables has a great vision for me, and I believe in what they’re building. They’ve shown me that I can come in, develop, and make an impact early. That’s exactly what I was looking for.”

 

Smith’s commitment didn’t come out of nowhere. Oklahoma has been in consistent contact with the young linebacker since extending an early offer in early 2024. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof and linebackers coach Brian Odom played major roles in securing the commitment, visiting Smith multiple times and emphasizing the Sooners’ defensive resurgence under Venables’ leadership.

 

The Sooners’ 2026 recruiting class, already shaping up to be one of the strongest in the nation, now includes elite prospects on both sides of the ball. Smith’s addition gives Oklahoma a high-motor, intelligent defensive leader who could become a cornerstone of their linebacker corps in the future.

 

Scouting reports describe Smith as a physical, aggressive defender who thrives in both run defense and pass coverage. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and his instinctive tackling make him a standout prospect with significant upside at the next level. Recruiters have compared his style of play to that of former Oklahoma great Kenneth Murray — fast, powerful, and relentless.

 

For Oklahoma fans, Smith’s commitment further solidifies the belief that the Sooners’ transition to the SEC is being matched by a serious effort to recruit and develop championship-caliber talent. Landing a blue-chip linebacker from Georgia, a hotbed for SEC recruiting, is a clear sign that Oklahoma is winning key battles on the national stage.

 

“Venables is one of the best defensive minds in college football,” one recruiting analyst noted. “Getting a player like Jakore Smith shows how much momentum Oklahoma has right now. They’re not just competing in the SEC—they’re building a defense that can dominate there.”

 

With Jakore Smith now officially on board, Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class continues to climb the national rankings. Fans in Norman have every reason to be excited — the future of Sooner defense just got a lot brighter.