Some predicted disaster for Oklahoma’s early signing class due to the unexpected departure of former Coach Lincoln Riley and the limited time new OU Coach Brent Venables had to piece together a new team.

When Riley left, OU’s class was ranked in the 20s but Venables successfully has brought that ranking back to No 10 in the nation.

“We’re just really excited about the 14 guys that we announced today that signed,” Venables said. “… [We] feel terrific about the group of young people that we’re bringing in and their families. I think that they represent the values that we also value. We covered six states with this class of 14.”

OU signed cornerback Jayden Rowe – a 4-star prospect from Tulsa Union. The Sooners added wide receiver Robert Spears-Jennings of Broken Arrow, also a 4-star prospect. Jacob Sexton is a 4-star offensive line prospect from Deer Creek.

The Sooners’ 2022 class has eight offensive players and six defensive players. OU signed two 4-star wide receivers in Nicholas Anderson and Jayden Gibson.

Another significant signing was 4-star quarterback Nick Evers, who will back up OU starter Caleb Williams after Spencer Rattler announced he was transferring to South Carolina.

“I thought that (OU offensive coordinator) Jeff (Lebby) and the staff did a great job at identifying not only a very talented [quarterback], but a great one when it comes to the total package,” Venables said.

Kobie McKinzie, a 4-star linebacker who originally committed to the Sooners last year flipped his commitment to Texas after Riley departed, but Venables was able to bring him back.

“He still had his guard up, so we got him on campus this last weekend and really tried to bridge that gap from a relation standpoint and what his opportunities here would be,” Venables said.

While signing new recruits, Venables and his staff have been working to keep current OU players on board.

“That’s as important as anything we did when we started,” Venables said. “We started reaching out and extending the hand to them. Within the first few days, that’s exactly what we did when we had the team meeting and zoom meeting with them. Had an opportunity to invite them individually. Certainly haven’t hit every single one of them but well over half of them have been through the office one on one.

“Really just trying to be transparent and honest and make sure they understand the vision and what we want for them.”

Venables said he could still add players, particularly in the February signing period.

Wide receiver

  • Nicholas Anderson, Katy, Texas
  • Robert Spears-Jennings, Broken Arrow
  • Jayden Gibson, West Orange, Fla.

Quarterback

  • Nick Evers, Flower Mound, Texas

Linebacker

  • Kip Lewis, Carthage, Texas
  • Kobie McKinzie, Lubbock, Texas

Tight end

  • Jason Llewellyn, Aledo, Texas
  • Kaden Helms, Bellevue, Neb.

Defensive tackle

  • Cedric Roberts, Pflugerville, Texas

Cornerback

  • Jayden Rowe, Tulsa Union

Offensive tackle

  • Jake Taylor, Las Vegas
  • Jacob Sexton, Deer Creek, Oklahoma

Defensive lineman

  • Alton Tarber, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Running back

  • Gavin Sawchuk, Colorado