Oklahoma is rolling out the crimson carpet this weekend for its annual “Future Freaks” event, a marquee recruiting showcase designed to woo the nation’s most athletically gifted high school prospects. Headlined by five-star quarterback commit Kevin “KJ” Jennings and uncommitted blue-chippers like edge rusher Tyson McAllister and receiver Jordan Hale, the Sooners are leveraging this pivotal visit to solidify their 2025 recruiting class—ranked No. 8 nationally by 247Sports. With 20+ elite prospects descending on Norman, including seven top-100 talents, head coach Brent Venables aims to replicate last year’s success, when the event netted eventual stars such as freshman All-American DL David Stone. “This weekend’s about showing these young men how we turn potential into greatness,” Venables said.
Event Overview:
The “Future Freaks” brand, coined by OU’s staff in 2022, emphasizes recruiting prospects with elite measurable traits (40-yard dash times, vertical leaps, etc.) and pairing them with the program’s developmental machinery. This year’s itinerary blends high-tech spectacle with personal touches:
Friday Night Lights Practice: Prospects will watch OU’s spring practice under stadium lights, highlighting Venables’ hyper-competitive drills.
Facility Tours: A walkthrough of the $160 million Barry Switzer Center, including the new “Sooner Lab” analytics hub tracking player biometrics.
NIL Workshops: Sessions led by the Sooner Legacy Collective, detailing OU’s aggressive approach to endorsement deals.
Player-Led BBQ: Current stars like QB Jackson Arnold will host recruits at Venables’ home, emphasizing family culture.
Key Attendees:
1. Kevin “KJ” Jennings (5-star QB, Denton, TX): The crown jewel of OU’s 2025 class, Jennings (6’4”, 220 lbs) has actively peer-recruited for months. His presence solidifies the weekend’s tone.
2. Tyson McAllister (4-star Edge, IMG Academy, FL): A 6’6” disruptor with 4.5 speed, McAllister is down to OU, Texas, and Georgia. “I want to see how they develop pass-rushers,” he said.
3. Jordan Hale (4-star WR, Tulsa, OK): The in-state speedster (10.3s 100m) is a priority target. OU battles Alabama and USC for his pledge.
4. Marcus Carter (5-star CB, DeSoto, TX): The No. 3 CB nationally will scrutinize OU’s DB development after NFL Draft exits (Woodi Washington, Billy Bowman).
5. Brandon “BJ” Johnson (3-star LB, Kansas City, MO): A late-riser with a 40-inch vertical, Johnson represents OU’s “diamond in the rough” strategy.
Why Oklahoma? Selling the Vision
Venables’ pitch hinges on three pillars:
1. Proven Development: OU has produced 12 defensive NFL Draft picks since 2020, including recent first-rounder Perrion Winfrey. “We don’t just recruit freaks—we create them,” DL coach Todd Bates told prospects.
2. SEC Transition: With OU joining the SEC in 2024, recruits are drawn to facing elite competition. “You think I’m scared of Georgia or Bama? Nah. I want to dominate them,” Jennings said.
3. NIL Firepower: The Sooner Legacy Collective ranks top-10 nationally in NIL funding, per On3. Five-star 2024 signee David Stone earned $800K+ in deals before his freshman year.
Analyst Takes:
Greg Biggins (247Sports): “OU’s ‘Freaks’ event is genius branding. It speaks directly to today’s recruits, who prioritize athletic development and exposure. If they land McAllister, this class jumps to top-five.”
Allie Riley (On3): “Watch BJ Johnson. OU’s staff has a knack for identifying underrated athletes. He’s this year’s Ethan Downs—a three-star who becomes an All-Big 12 player.”
Josh McCuistion (Sooners Illustrated): “The pressure’s on to keep Jordan Hale home. Losing a Tulsa kid to Bama would sting, but OU’s track record with receivers (Marvin Mims, CeeDee Lamb) gives them an edge.”
Recruiting Class Implications:
OU currently holds 10 commits for 2025, headlined by Jennings and four-star OT Ryan Frazier. A successful weekend could yield:
McAllister’s Commitment: Insiders hint he’s leaning OU after bonding with DEs coach Miguel Chavis.
Hale’s Timeline Move: The receiver plans to commit in August but might accelerate after visiting.
Sleeper Flips: Three-star ATH Sam Bruce (Oregon commit) is reportedly reconsidering after OU’s persistent outreach.
Broader Trends:
The “Future Freaks” concept mirrors a national shift toward position-specific recruiting events (e.g., Georgia’s “Dawg Night” for QBs). OU’s twist? Leveraging Venables’ reputation as a defensive guru to attract raw athletes eager for refinement. With the NCAA’s satellite camp ban lifted, OU’s staff also plans to expand “Freaks” to regional camps in Houston and Los Angeles. “It’s not just a weekend—it’s a pipeline,” said recruiting director Brandon Hall.
The Rivalry Factor:
This weekend also serves as a counterpunch to Texas’s “Under the Lights” event, held the same dates. OU and Texas are battling for six overlapping targets, including Hale and McAllister. “We know what they’re selling in Austin,” Venables said. “But we’re selling championships.”
For Oklahoma, the “Future Freaks” weekend is more than a recruiting tool—it’s a statement of intent. In the NIL and transfer portal era, sustaining success demands relentless talent acquisition, and Venables’ aggressive approach positions OU to thrive in the SEC. As recruits tour the facilities and absorb the “Sooner Standard” mantra, the program’s message is clear: Norman is where athletic freaks become legends. By Sunday, the staff
