The Oklahoma Sooners added another player to their elite 2027 recruiting class on Thursday evening with the commitment of EDGE rusher Samuel Nelson. Nelson announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he’d be joining his older brother Matthew at the University of Oklahoma.
Samuel is considered the No. 1 player in the state of Arkansas by On3 and the No. 39 defensive end in the country. He chose the Sooners over offers from Arkansas, Florida State, Kansas State, North Texas, and South Florida.
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The decision comes on the heels of a visit from Oklahoma defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis. Nelson said on X, “God’s timing is my timing, and tonight confirmed what I have been feeling. Coach Chavis said it felt like deja vu, and my dad’s shirt translated means, ‘it is finished!!!’ Nothing else needs to be said. I’m officially ending my recruitment and will be joining my brother(s) at OU. Boomer!”
Nelson joins an Oklahoma recruiting class that is currently No. 3 in the nation, according to On3. He’s the second defensive end to commit to the class, joining Krew Jones out of Utah.
According to 247Sports, Nelson recorded 47 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 2025. He’s got good size at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds. He’s a quick and athletic defensive end, capable of getting into the backfield in a hurry to create pressure on the quarterback or disruption in the running game.
With his athleticism and production, Nelson is another strong addition for the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2027 recruiting class.
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) hugs linebacker Kip Lewis (10) before the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) hugs linebacker Kip Lewis (10) before the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) runs onto the field before the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Oklahoma’s Lloyd Avant (9) celebrates a touchdwon during the University of Oklahoma Sooners Spring Game at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday April 18, 2026.
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Oklahoma’s Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field game during the University of Oklahoma Sooners Spring Game at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday April 18, 2026.
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners Sooner Schooner leaves the field after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (bottom right)) takes a photo with the defensive group after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) takes a photo with the quarterback group during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables celebrates celebrates with quarterback John Mateer (10) after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners players and head coach Brent Venables react after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) reacts after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners Casen Calmus (20) makes an interception during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) is chased by Casen Calmus (20) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jayden Petit (13) cannot make a catch as defensive back Eli Bowen (23) and defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) defend during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) is tackled by defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) is chased by defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) and defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) reacts during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) celebrates with defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) laughs on the sidelines during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field goal during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) is sacked by defensive back Michael Boganowski (25) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten watches during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Jonathan Hatton Jr (20) celebrates with offensive lineman Michael Fasusi (56) after scoring a touchdown during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Jonathan Hatton Jr (20) scores a touchdown during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Manny Choice (0) battles for the ball with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Elijah Thomas (14) runs with the ball as defensive lineman CJ Nickson (88) defends during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables watches during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables watches during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) reacts during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) and defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) react after tackling wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) and defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) tackle wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) nearly intercepts a pass in front of wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
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Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners add commitment from 2027 DE Samuel Nelson
