In a major coup for their 2026 recruiting class, the University of Oklahoma football program secured the commitment of four-star wide receiver Daniel Odom from St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California. Odom, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound dynamic playmaker, has been a standout at the high school level, showcasing a blend of size, speed, and ball skills that have made him one of the most sought-after wide receiver recruits in the nation.
Odom’s Recruitment Journey
Daniel Odom’s recruitment process has been one of the most high-profile in the 2026 class, with the wide receiver fielding offers from several top-tier college football programs. Among the schools that pursued Odom were Arizona, Arizona State, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M, Washington, and Washington State. The competition for his commitment was fierce, and many believed that Odom would be a cornerstone piece for whichever program landed him.
Despite being heavily recruited, Odom took his time to evaluate his options, seeking a program that would allow him to develop into a future NFL prospect while playing in a high-powered offensive system. After an extensive evaluation period, Odom ultimately made the decision to commit to the Oklahoma Sooners, citing the team’s tradition of developing top-tier wide receivers and their ability to compete at the highest level of college football.
Odom’s High School Performance
At St. John Bosco, Odom quickly established himself as one of the top wide receivers in California, an area known for producing top-tier talent. During his sophomore season, Odom posted impressive numbers with 36 receptions for 548 yards and seven touchdowns. His ability to make plays in both the short and long game, combined with his natural athleticism, made him a favorite target in his high school offense.
Odom’s skill set is not limited to just being a downfield threat. He’s also known for his ability to create separation on shorter routes and his ability to make defenders miss in open space. His 6-foot-2 frame gives him an advantage against smaller defenders, while his speed allows him to stretch the field. He’s also demonstrated excellent hands and is known for making tough catches in critical moments, showing a high football IQ and ability to perform under pressure.
As a result of his performances, Odom garnered attention from national scouting organizations, earning a four-star ranking and recognition as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 class. His commitment to Oklahoma represents a major victory for the Sooners, who have been building one of the most impressive recruiting classes in the nation.
Why Oklahoma?
The University of Oklahoma has been one of the premier destinations for high school football talent, particularly at the wide receiver position. With a history of producing elite receivers, including names like Hollywood Brown and CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber wide receivers has been a major factor in Odom’s decision to commit. Furthermore, the Sooners’ high-powered offense, led by head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, offers a perfect fit for a player like Odom who thrives in a fast-paced, pass-heavy system.
Oklahoma’s success in recent years, especially with their dynamic offense, made the program a highly attractive option for Odom. Under coach Lebby, the Sooners have become known for their ability to consistently produce high yardage and scoring totals, and Odom sees this as an ideal environment to hone his skills and prepare for the next level. Additionally, the opportunity to play in the Big 12 conference, which is known for its wide-open offensive style, likely appealed to Odom as it provides a platform to showcase his talents on a national stage.
Oklahoma’s commitment to player development also stood out to Odom. The Sooners have consistently been among the top teams in the nation for player development, with a focus on preparing athletes for success both on and off the field. This was another key factor in Odom’s decision, as he is not only looking to succeed at the college level but to eventually transition to the NFL.
The Impact of Odom’s Commitment
Odom’s commitment to Oklahoma is a significant addition to the Sooners’ 2026 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of the most promising in recent years. The wide receiver position is an area of emphasis for Oklahoma, and landing a player of Odom’s caliber strengthens their receiving corps for the future.
As one of the top wide receivers in the class, Odom’s ability to create separation and make explosive plays will give the Sooners offense a future playmaker who can be a key contributor from day one. His size and ability to win contested catches will make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Odom will have the chance to learn from Oklahoma’s veteran coaching staff and play alongside other elite talents, all while growing into the leader of the Sooners’ receiving group in the coming seasons.
His addition also highlights Oklahoma’s ability to recruit nationally and land elite talent from California, a state that has consistently produced some of the best high school football players in the country. For Oklahoma, having a strong presence on the West Coast gives them access to a broader pool of talent, helping to elevate their recruiting efforts.
Oklahoma’s Recruiting Strategy Under Brent Venables
Brent Venables, who took over as head coach of the Sooners, has made a clear effort to recruit players who fit his culture of physicality, toughness, and high football IQ. Venables’ defense-first mentality has also translated into a more balanced recruiting strategy, with the Sooners now placing a greater emphasis on developing talent on both sides of the ball.
Under Venables, Oklahoma has shifted towards becoming a more well-rounded team that can compete in all phases of the game. Odom’s commitment is a clear signal that the Sooners intend to continue building on their offensive success while also focusing on improving defensively. By securing players like Odom, Oklahoma is poised to maintain its status as one of the premier programs in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
What’s Next for Odom?
As Daniel Odom prepares to take his talents to Oklahoma, he will continue to develop his skills at St. John Bosco, where he is expected to have another productive season. His final years of high school football will be crucial in shaping his future as a collegiate athlete. Odom has the potential to become one of the top wide receivers in college football, and his development over the next few years will determine just how impactful he will be at Oklahoma.
Odom is also expected to be one of the focal points of St. John Bosco’s offense in his junior and senior seasons, with the team relying on him to be their top target. His leadership on and off the field will be key to his success as he prepares to transition to the college game.
Once at Oklahoma, Odom will likely have a chance to compete for immediate playing time in a wide receiver room that continues to develop top-level talent. With Oklahoma’s offense only expected to improve under Jeff Lebby’s guidance, Odom’s commitment is one that will have a lasting impact on the Sooners’ future.
Final Thoughts
Daniel Odom’s commitment to Oklahoma marks a major win for the Sooners, as they add one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 class to their roster. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability make him a perfect fit for the Sooners’ offense, and he will be a key contributor for years to come.
As he continues to develop throughout his high school career, Odom’s future looks incredibly bright, and he is poised to make an immediate impact at Oklahoma once he arrives. With a growing legacy of elite wide receivers, the Sooners are certainly getting a special talent in Daniel Odom.