The Oklahoma Sooners are chasing the kind of players who can turn a good team into a great one, a game-changer; talking of Brian Harris, a 6’4″, 290-pound defensive lineman from Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a 2026 prospect.
He has the size, strength, and skill, and these attributes are turning every eye on him. Right now, Oklahoma is the projected program to land the 2026 prospect, and if they do, it could be a massive win for a program looking to cement its place in the SEC further.
Brian Harris: A Rising Star on the Defensive Line
Harris is a standout who’s been performing exceptionally in Florida. At Mandarin High School, he’s been a force as a junior, using his versatility to dominate offensive lines. Rivals rated him a four-star recruit, cementing his place among the top defensive linemen in the class of 2026 and a top 10 player in Florida.
The Sooners are doing everything to land Harris. Head coach Brent Venables and defensive line coach Todd Bates have zeroed in on him as a key piece of their 2026 class. Oklahoma’s been building momentum on the recruiting trail, and Harris fits their vision perfectly as they gear up for life in the SEC.
Venables, a defensive guru from his days at Clemson, knows a player like Harris can set the tone up front. The staff has rolled out the red carpet, hosting Harris for official visits and selling him on the chance to play early and grow into a star. Oklahoma’s pitching, big-time competition, and top-notch coaching are hitting home with Harris.
Other Top Programs Battling for Harris’s Commitment
Although Oklahoma appears to be leading the pack, they’re not alone in this race. Elite programs like Michigan, Penn State, Alabama, Auburn, and Florida State have all extended offers. Alabama brings its championship pedigree, Michigan touts academics and Big Ten prestige, and Florida State has the home-state edge.
Each school’s got a solid case, but recruiting insiders keep pointing to Oklahoma as the favorite. The Sooners’ strong bond with Harris and their clear plan for him seem to be tipping the scales, though nothing’s locked in until he puts pen to paper.
New #Sooners Rivals 🏈 FutureCast
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2026 DL Brian Harris
📏 6’4” / 290lbs
🏫 Mandarin HS (Jacksonville,FL)
✍️ By Brandon Drumm
🎤⬇️ Oklahoma InsiderProfile: https://t.co/y2At0kEsWb#L26ENDARY pic.twitter.com/2WlGp9pWih
— Covered Wagons Recruiting (@OUCrystalBall) May 23, 2025
How Harris Could Transform Oklahoma’s Defensive Future
If Harris picks Oklahoma, it’s not just a win for the recruiting class; it’s a statement for the program. The Sooners are stepping into the SEC, where they’ll face some of the nation’s best offenses week after week. With his ability to get after quarterbacks, a guy like Harris could be a difference-maker.
Venables loves an aggressive defense, and Harris fits that mold as a potential anchor on the line. Beyond the field, landing a four-star from Florida could open doors for Oklahoma in a recruiting hotbed they’ve tapped before but want to own. Pair him with other top commits, and they have the makings of a defensive front that could compete with anyone.
KEEP READING: Offseason Grades for All 16 SEC Teams: Oklahoma and Auburn Grade Highly While Tennessee Plummets After Quick Turn of Events
Harris hasn’t made his call yet, keeping Sooner Nation on edge. Today’s latest chatter has Oklahoma in pole position, but everyone knows that recruiting can flip fast. If he commits, it’s a feather in Venables’s cap and a sign that Oklahoma’s building something special. Even if he goes elsewhere, the pursuit shows the Sooners are playing at an elite level off the field.
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