Sooners on the Visit Agenda for One of the Midwest’s Top 2026 Linemen
As the 2025 season approaches, the University of Oklahoma Sooners, under head coach Brent Venables, continue to build on their recruiting efforts. The Sooners’ transition into the SEC has added a layer of complexity to their recruiting strategy, but it has also provided an opportunity to improve their program and attract some of the nation’s top high school talent. The Sooners’ coaching staff is targeting several key areas to fortify their roster, including the offensive and defensive line, positions that are particularly important for success in the highly competitive SEC.
One of the most intriguing names in the 2026 recruiting class is Jalen Harris, an elite offensive lineman from St. Louis, Missouri. Harris is widely regarded as one of the top 2026 linemen in the Midwest, with a growing list of offers from top-tier programs across the country. As one of the most coveted high school prospects in his class, Harris is currently fielding attention from several college football powerhouses, and the Sooners are firmly in the mix.
This article will explore who Jalen Harris is, why he’s one of the top linemen in the 2026 class, and why the Oklahoma Sooners are making him a priority in their recruiting efforts. We’ll also discuss how Harris could potentially fit into the Sooners’ long-term plans and what his upcoming visits could mean for Oklahoma’s future recruiting success.
Jalen Harris: The Top 2026 Lineman from St. Louis
Jalen Harris is an offensive lineman who has already garnered significant attention as one of the top recruits in the 2026 class. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Harris has the physical tools to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. His impressive frame, coupled with his athleticism and technique, has made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in the Midwest region.
Harris currently attends St. Louis High School in Missouri, where he plays for the St. Louis Tigers. Throughout his high school career, Harris has developed into a dominant force on the offensive line. His ability to protect the quarterback, open running lanes, and disrupt the defense’s pass rush has made him a standout player in the state of Missouri. He is widely regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in the country for the 2026 class and has the potential to develop into a highly coveted NFL Draft pick in a few years.
What sets Harris apart from many other offensive linemen in his class is his combination of size, strength, and technique. Despite his large frame, Harris is surprisingly agile, often displaying a quick first step and exceptional footwork in pass protection. His ability to move laterally and engage defenders with powerful hands makes him a dominant presence in both the run game and passing game. On top of his athleticism, Harris possesses a strong football IQ, which allows him to read defensive alignments and adjust his blocking schemes accordingly.
Harris’ reputation has been rapidly rising in the recruiting world, and his list of offers is a testament to his talent. Schools from all Power 5 conferences have extended scholarships, and the Sooners have been actively pursuing him since his recruitment began to take off.
Oklahoma’s Interest in Jalen Harris
As Oklahoma prepares to join the SEC in 2025, the program’s recruiting strategy has become more focused on securing top-tier talent along the offensive and defensive lines. The physicality and speed of the SEC require a team to be strong at the point of attack, and Oklahoma’s ability to compete in the new conference will depend heavily on its offensive and defensive lines. This is why Jalen Harris is such a key target for the Sooners as they aim to bolster their front lines for the future.
The Sooners’ offensive line has been a key part of the program’s success over the years, and coach Venables understands that in order to succeed in the SEC, Oklahoma needs to continue developing elite linemen who can protect the quarterback, open running lanes, and stifle defensive front sevens. Harris fits this mold perfectly, and his skill set makes him a natural fit for the Sooners’ system.
In addition to their focus on the line of scrimmage, Oklahoma is also looking to establish a foothold in the Midwest for recruiting. While the Sooners have long had strong ties to Texas and the South, the program has increasingly looked to expand its recruiting base. With Harris hailing from St. Louis, Oklahoma sees an opportunity to tap into an area that has produced a growing number of talented football players in recent years. Securing a commitment from a top recruit like Harris would not only improve Oklahoma’s roster but also send a strong message to other recruits in the region that the Sooners are serious about competing nationally.
Venables and his coaching staff have already established a solid foundation for recruiting success at Oklahoma, and bringing in a player like Harris would be a huge boost to the program. If Harris were to commit to Oklahoma, it would help elevate the Sooners’ standing in both the national recruiting rankings and within the SEC recruiting landscape.
Harris’ Upcoming Visits and Oklahoma’s Recruiting Strategy
Harris has been on an impressive recruiting journey, taking official visits to some of the country’s most prestigious football programs. He’s already visited schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan, and he has several other visits scheduled in the coming months, including a trip to Oklahoma.
As one of the top recruits in the 2026 class, Harris is in high demand, and each of his visits will play a crucial role in determining which program ultimately lands his commitment. The fact that Harris is planning to visit Oklahoma is a positive sign for the Sooners, as it shows that the program has made a strong impression on the highly sought-after lineman.
During his visit to Norman, Harris will likely meet with coach Brent Venables and other key members of the coaching staff to discuss his potential role in the program. Venables is known for his defensive expertise, and while Harris would be coming to Oklahoma to play on the offensive line, it’s important for recruits to feel a connection to the head coach. Venables’ reputation as a defensive-minded coach could be attractive to an offensive lineman like Harris, who understands the importance of facing strong defenses day in and day out in practice.
Additionally, Harris will likely meet with current players, including those on the offensive line, to get a sense of the program’s culture and how he would fit into the team dynamic. The strength of Oklahoma’s offensive line, which has produced several NFL Draft picks in recent years, will also be an important factor in Harris’ decision-making process.
Oklahoma’s facilities, academic programs, and overall vision for the future will also be key topics during Harris’ visit. The Sooners have a strong reputation for producing NFL talent, and Harris will likely weigh these factors heavily in his decision. With Oklahoma making its transition to the SEC, the program will need to make a compelling case for why it is the right place for Harris to grow and eventually take the next step to the professional ranks.
What Would Harris’ Commitment Mean for Oklahoma?
If Jalen Harris were to commit to Oklahoma, it would represent a significant victory for the Sooners, especially given the fierce competition for his services. A commitment from Harris would give the Sooners a top-tier offensive lineman who could make an immediate impact when he arrives on campus.
Harris’ physicality, athleticism, and versatility on the line would be invaluable to Oklahoma’s future offensive line. His ability to excel in both run blocking and pass protection would make him an asset to the Sooners’ offensive schemes, which are designed to be both fast-paced and effective. Additionally, his presence would help the program’s recruiting efforts in the Midwest, establishing Oklahoma as a legitimate contender for top-tier talent from a region that has produced countless college and NFL stars.
With the SEC looming on the horizon, Oklahoma will need to continue building a team capable of competing against the powerhouses of the conference. Recruiting a player like Jalen Harris would send a message that Oklahoma is serious about its long-term success and its ability to compete at the highest level.
Conclusion
As Jalen Harris continues to rise up the recruiting rankings, the Oklahoma Sooners have positioned themselves as one of the leading programs in the race for his commitment. Harris is a dynamic offensive lineman with the potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level, and his decision will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Sooners’ offensive line.
The visit to Norman, scheduled as part of Harris’ recruiting process, is a key moment in Oklahoma’s pursuit of the highly sought-after lineman. While Harris has a long list of suitors, the Sooners’ growing reputation as a program on the rise, especially with the SEC transition, makes them a compelling option for one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. If Oklahoma can successfully recruit Harris, it will represent a major step forward in their efforts to build a roster capable of competing in the SEC for years to come.
As Harris continues to evaluate his options, the Sooners will be hoping that their strong recruiting pitch, combined with a promising future in the SEC, will ultimately lead to a commitment from one of the Midwest’s top 2026 linemen. The next few months could prove pivotal in Oklahoma’s efforts to continue building a championship-caliber roster.
