The post Oklahoma absorbs blow after 4-star TE’s decision appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Oklahoma football appeared to be rolling recruiting wise. But one Lone Star State power handed the Sooners a massive loss on the trail.
Advertisement
Zachery Turner went from OU target to newest addition at SMU. The Mustangs nabbed the four-star tight end away from the Sooners, who were one of the finalists for the Duncanville star. Turner confirmed his decision to join SMU over Oklahoma with Billy Embody of On3/Rivals Saturday.
SMU even out-dueled an Atlantic Coast Conference rival for the TE. Miami was in the last mix before Turner opted to stay within his home state — and near his native Duncanville.
Pittsburgh was one more power four team considered “warm” on Turner per 247Sports. But OU takes a key college football recruiting blow here.
Oklahoma remains outside of the top 30 in the national recruiting rankings for the 2026 class. The Sooners and head coach Brent Venables would’ve added their fourth four-star talent had they beat out SMU.
Advertisement
Is SMU out-dueling Oklahoma on recruiting trail?
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Mustangs boost their offense moving forward with the local talent. SMU has reestablished itself as a major force on the trail.
Turner rises as the fifth different four-star commitment for the College Football Playoff team of 2024. All five represent the offensive side of the ball — also known as the area of expertise for head coach Rhett Lashlee. SMU sits at 19th overall in the team recruiting rankings per 247Sports. The Mustangs are also No. 18 per On3/Rivals.
But how is Oklahoma fairing for the ’26 cycle? The Sooners have collected their share of recruiting wins and whiffs.
Advertisement
Tyler Ruxer rose as one TE find for Oklahoma. OU even edged Deion Sanders and Colorado for four-star tackle Deacon Schmitt. Quarterback Bowe Bentley stands as the top-rated commit for Oklahoma — beating LSU for him.
However, Oklahoma ranks lower than SMU for both 247 and On3/Rivals. Even despite sitting at No. 22 overall for the latter outlet. The Sooners hold 15 current hard commits.
Related: Big 12 power hands Michigan second recruiting loss
Related: Alabama loses top 10 ATH to surprise Big Ten challenger
