The Oklahoma Sooners Get BIG Commitment Before Dead Period | OU Football Looks to BUILD for the Future….
In a major boost for the Oklahoma Sooners football program, head coach Brent Venables and his staff received some exciting news just before the NCAA’s recruiting dead period. Top-ranked linebacker Tyler “TJ” Johnson, one of the most coveted high school prospects in the country, has committed to playing for the Sooners. This commitment is a significant victory for Oklahoma as they continue to build toward a new era of championship football.
A Game-Changer for the Sooners
Johnson, a 6’4″, 230-pound linebacker from Houston, Texas, is considered one of the top recruits in the 2025 class, earning widespread attention for his athleticism, speed, and football IQ. His commitment to Oklahoma comes as a huge relief for the Sooners’ coaching staff, who have been aggressively pursuing high-caliber defensive players to fortify their roster.
“Choosing Oklahoma was an easy decision,” Johnson said during his announcement. “The coaching staff, the program’s rich history, and the culture they’ve built here are second to none. I’m excited to come in and contribute to a team that’s on the rise.”
Building a Foundation for Success
For Coach Venables, this commitment is a sign that his vision for the Oklahoma football program is beginning to take shape. After taking over as head coach in 2022, Venables has worked tirelessly to rebuild Oklahoma into a national contender, and bringing in top-tier talent like Johnson is crucial to that mission.
“We’re not just recruiting players; we’re building a program that will compete at the highest level year in and year out,” Venables said. “Tyler is a special player, and his commitment is a testament to the direction we’re headed. We’re building something strong, and this is just the beginning.”
Johnson’s commitment is also part of a larger trend in the Sooners’ recruiting efforts, as the program continues to focus on bolstering its defense. With Venables’ background as a defensive coordinator, bringing in elite players on that side of the ball is a priority for the Sooners as they look to build a more balanced and dominant team.
A Key Addition to Oklahoma’s Defense
Johnson is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside, making him a valuable asset to Oklahoma’s defense. He’s known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, his ability to read plays, and his knack for making crucial tackles in the open field. In his junior season, Johnson recorded 120 tackles, 15 sacks, and 3 interceptions, showcasing his all-around playmaking ability.
Experts believe that Johnson’s commitment will not only impact the defense immediately but also elevate the play of his future teammates. His leadership on and off the field will be invaluable as Oklahoma looks to transition into a more aggressive, disciplined defense under Venables’ tutelage.
A Strong Finish to Recruiting
This big commitment comes just days before the NCAA’s recruiting dead period, which begins December 1st and lasts through the end of the year. During this time, coaches are prohibited from making in-person contact with recruits, so securing Johnson’s commitment before the deadline is a major win for the Sooners. It also gives the coaching staff momentum as they look to close out the 2025 recruiting cycle and prepare for the next round of commitments.
Oklahoma is hoping that Johnson’s commitment will be a catalyst for other high-profile recruits to follow suit, especially as they continue to target players in key positions like defensive line, offensive line, and wide receiver.
“We’ve had some great conversations with recruits, and I believe the success we’re building here at Oklahoma will continue to attract top-tier talent,” Venables added. “Our goal is to not just compete but to dominate, and with players like Tyler, we’re on the right track.”
Looking Ahead
With this big commitment, Oklahoma has positioned itself as one of the top contenders in recruiting for the 2025 class. While the Sooners will have to wait until the end of the dead period to continue making in-person visits, this early momentum will go a long way in strengthening the program’s national reputation.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, Tyler Johnson’s commitment is just the beginning of a promising future. As the Sooners continue to build their roster and refine their coaching staff, the program is poised to return to national prominence, with a renewed focus on creating a championship-caliber team.
In the coming months, fans can expect more big announcements as Oklahoma continues to focus on building the future of Sooners football — a future that looks brighter than ever.
