The University of Oklahoma continues to make significant noise on the recruiting trail, and this time it’s for a position that often flies under the radar but plays a vital role in championship-level football. The Sooners have just secured a commitment from one of the top kicking prospects in the nation: Trace Rudd out of Overland Park, Kansas. A rising talent in the 2026 recruiting class, Rudd is listed at 6 feet tall and weighs 180 pounds. More notably, he carries an elite distinction—he’s a 5-star kicker and currently ranked as the No. 27 overall kicker in his class according to Kohl’s Kicking, one of the most reputable special teams scouting organizations in the country.
For Oklahoma fans and analysts who follow recruiting closely, the commitment may not have come with the same immediate headlines as a blue-chip quarterback or dominant edge rusher. But make no mistake—landing a kicker of Rudd’s caliber is a win with long-term implications. It’s a testament to the attention to detail and roster building that head coach Brent Venables and his staff continue to prioritize as they prepare for full-time life in the Southeastern Conference. In a league where games are often decided by a single possession, special teams consistency and field goal accuracy become even more valuable. That’s where a player like Trace Rudd becomes critical.
Kickers rarely get the fanfare they deserve, but they’re often the difference between a thrilling win and a devastating loss. Rudd brings not only raw leg talent, but also poise and maturity that’s advanced for his age. At just a high school underclassman, he’s already being recognized nationally for his mechanics, leg strength, and consistency. Kohl’s Kicking gave him a 5-star rating, a designation reserved for kickers with Division I potential and elite traits. His ability to deliver under pressure, launch kickoffs deep into the end zone, and handle field goals from long range gives Oklahoma a strong foundation for future special teams success.
Trace Rudd’s journey to this point has been marked by quiet dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Hailing from Overland Park, a suburban community just outside of Kansas City, Rudd plays high school football in a region known for producing competitive talent. His work with Kohl’s Kicking has elevated his profile significantly. At their events, he’s competed against and outperformed top prospects from across the nation. The No. 27 ranking is not arbitrary; it reflects hours of training, refinement, and performance on national stages.
His film shows a consistent ball strike, a powerful swing, and a clean follow-through. Whether it’s a short chip shot or a deep attempt from 50+ yards, Rudd displays the kind of balance and power that translate to the next level. His kickoffs routinely reach or surpass the goal line with solid hang time, which will be critical in neutralizing return threats in college. In addition, his demeanor during camp settings and in-game situations shows a confidence that’s vital for the position. Kickers often stand alone in high-pressure moments, and Rudd has already demonstrated the mental strength to thrive in those scenarios.
Oklahoma’s decision to take a kicker this early in the 2026 cycle also underscores how valuable the staff believes Rudd will be to the future of the program. College teams don’t often commit scholarships or spots to specialists this far in advance unless the evaluation is crystal clear. For OU to act now signals both a proactive approach and supreme confidence in Rudd’s ability to eventually contribute. He joins a special teams unit that has seen its share of ups and downs in recent years, and his arrival could signal a shift toward stability and excellence in the kicking game.
Recruiting a kicker is always a unique process. Unlike many other positions, it’s not just about athleticism or speed—it’s a mix of technique, mental toughness, and repeatable performance under pressure. Programs lean heavily on evaluations from third-party organizations like Kohl’s or Chris Sailer Kicking, and Rudd’s 5-star status from Kohl’s immediately puts him in elite company. That ranking means he’s not only good among his local peers, but also considered one of the best nationally. It’s a strong indicator of his readiness to handle college environments and expectations.
Trace Rudd’s commitment also fits into a broader pattern of Oklahoma’s attention to detail under Venables. The Sooners are no longer content with just collecting talent at the top of the roster—they’re investing in every aspect of the team. Special teams can often feel like an afterthought in recruiting cycles, but games are won or lost on the margins. A missed field goal here or a poorly executed kickoff there can spell doom in tight contests, particularly in the SEC where every matchup is physical and competitive. With Rudd in the fold, OU is aiming to reduce those variables and bring confidence to every special teams snap.
Rudd’s decision to commit early to Oklahoma also speaks volumes about the relationships being built between players and coaches. It’s clear he believes in the program’s direction and sees a clear path to development and eventual playing time. For a specialist, trust in the coaching staff and the environment is crucial. Kickers need to know they’ll be supported through the ups and downs that inevitably come with the job. Rudd choosing OU this far in advance sends a message that the Sooners are doing something right in their approach—not just to football, but to building a culture where young players feel empowered.
From the outside looking in, fans might question the importance of this commitment given the positional focus. But coaches, analysts, and recruiters know better. Trace Rudd has a real opportunity to be a difference-maker at Oklahoma. Whether it’s a clutch field goal in a conference battle or a booming kickoff that pins an opponent deep in their own territory, his skill set translates to success at the next level. The fact that he’s already established himself as one of the premier kickers in the class of 2026 suggests he could be an anchor for special teams from the moment he steps on campus.
As Rudd continues his high school career, all eyes will be on his development. He’ll be watched closely at camps, in games, and throughout his senior year to see if he can climb even higher in the national rankings. But regardless of whether he finishes as the No. 1 kicker in the class or remains in the top 30, his commitment is a big one for Oklahoma. He gives the Sooners a steady, reliable presence at a position where trust and performance go hand in hand. And in the SEC—where hostile crowds, unpredictable weather, and pressure-packed moments are the norm—that could make all the difference.
