BREAKING: Four-Star Linebacker Jacob Curry Commits to Oklahoma
Oklahoma has landed a major defensive piece for its 2026 recruiting class. Four-star linebacker Jacob Curry, a 6-foot-1, 207-pound prospect out of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, has officially announced his commitment to the Sooners, he told Rivals. Curry chose Oklahoma over several powerhouse programs, including Ohio State and Florida State, following a highly competitive recruitment process.
Curry’s decision gives head coach Brent Venables and his staff another dynamic athlete on the defensive side of the ball one whose instincts, versatility, and leadership have made him one of the most coveted linebackers in the country. Ranked among the top prospects in Florida, Curry brings both speed and physicality to a Sooners defense that continues to evolve under Venables’ guidance. His commitment marks another win for Oklahoma’s growing national recruiting presence, particularly in the talent-rich Southeast.
In announcing his decision, Curry emphasized the connection he felt with the Sooners’ staff and the atmosphere in Norman. “Oklahoma felt like home the second I stepped on campus,” he said. That sense of belonging became the deciding factor in a recruitment that had seen heavy involvement from several elite programs. According to sources close to Curry, Oklahoma’s player development track record especially for linebackers played a pivotal role in sealing the deal.
Curry visited Norman earlier this fall and was impressed not only by the facilities and fan energy but also by the culture Venables has built since returning to Oklahoma. Known for his intensity and defensive acumen, Venables personally made Curry a priority early in the process, something that stood out to the Florida native. “Coach Venables made me feel like I was already part of the family,” Curry said during his visit weekend. “The energy in the building was real from the players to the staff, everyone’s locked in on winning.”
That message resonated deeply with Curry and his family. The Sooners’ defensive identity built on discipline, aggression, and speed fits perfectly with Curry’s playing style. At Ponte Vedra High School, he’s developed a reputation as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker who reads offenses quickly and delivers clean, physical tackles. His combination of football IQ, quickness, and leadership makes him a natural fit for Venables’ linebacker-friendly system.
For Oklahoma, Curry’s commitment comes at a critical time as the Sooners prepare for full-time competition in the SEC. Venables and his staff have been aggressive in pursuing players who not only bring athletic talent but also the mental toughness needed to thrive in the league. Curry checks both boxes. His film shows a defender who thrives in open space, tracks running backs effectively, and shows fluidity dropping into coverage all key traits in today’s versatile linebacker prototypes.
Oklahoma’s 2026 class has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, and Curry’s addition gives it a significant boost both in ranking and reputation. His decision also reinforces the Sooners’ expanding recruiting reach in Florida, a state long dominated by SEC powers. Venables and defensive coordinator Ted Roof have made clear that building a defense capable of matching the physicality of top-tier SEC opponents requires elite, fast, and disciplined linebackers. Curry embodies exactly that vision.
For Curry, the choice also reflects trust in Oklahoma’s long-term vision. The Sooners have made steady strides defensively since Venables took over, improving in both efficiency and consistency. The chance to be developed under one of college football’s premier defensive minds was simply too good to pass up. “Coach Venables has coached some of the best linebackers in the game,” Curry noted in a previous interview. “I know he can help me take my game to the next level and prepare me for the NFL.”
His commitment also sends a message to other elite defenders in the 2026 cycle: Oklahoma is serious about assembling one of the most complete defensive classes in the nation. Curry’s combination of athleticism and leadership could make him a centerpiece recruit for the Sooners moving forward. Analysts describe him as a “program-defining” addition a tone-setter on defense who can help elevate Oklahoma’s physical edge as they transition into SEC play.
Back home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Curry’s coaches and teammates have praised his work ethic and maturity. Known for his discipline and preparation, he’s the type of player who commands respect in the locker room as much as on the field. “Jacob is one of those kids who sets the standard,” said one of his coaches earlier this season. “He practices like he plays, and he plays like he wants to win every rep.” That mindset aligns perfectly with Venables’ philosophy of relentless effort and accountability.
With Curry now committed, Oklahoma will look to continue its recruiting momentum heading into the winter evaluation period. The Sooners remain in pursuit of several other four- and five-star prospects, particularly along the defensive line and in the secondary. But landing Curry gives the staff a headliner a prospect who can help attract additional top-tier defensive talent to Norman.
For Jacob Curry, the decision ultimately came down to comfort, culture, and confidence in what Oklahoma is building. His official visit sealed it: the relationships, the energy, and the belief in Venables’ system made Norman feel like the right place to grow both as a player and a person. “It’s not just football at Oklahoma,” Curry said. “It’s about family, accountability, and chasing greatness and that’s exactly what I’m looking for.”
With his commitment, the Sooners continue to solidify their defensive future, adding another cornerstone piece to a class that could define their early SEC era. For Curry, the journey to Norman marks the next chapter in a story just beginning one built on focus, loyalty, and the belief that he’s found his home in crimson and cream.
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