The Oklahoma Sooners have long prided themselves on building elite offensive lines, and their recruiting approach has often reflected that priority. In the 2026 class, the Sooners already have two promising offensive line commits in the fold — Will Conroy and Noah Best — both of whom bring size, athleticism, and high-upside potential to Norman. But as the summer recruiting window heats up and prospects begin to lock in official visit dates, one notable development could shift the tone of Oklahoma’s 2026 offensive line efforts.
The top offensive tackle in the 2026 class — a coveted, consensus five-star prospect — has canceled his official visit to Oklahoma. This decision, while not necessarily a final indicator of the Sooners’ standing in his recruitment, is undoubtedly a blow to their efforts to build an elite trench class in this cycle. The player in question had previously listed Oklahoma among his finalists, and there was optimism inside the program that the combination of tradition, player development, and NIL infrastructure could put the Sooners in a strong position to land him. However, his decision to remove the Sooners from his official visit schedule suggests a shift in momentum, potentially favoring other national powers.
Losing traction with the No. 1 offensive tackle in the class stings, especially for a program that has consistently churned out NFL-ready linemen and prides itself on physical dominance at the point of attack. But Oklahoma’s coaching staff, led by head coach Brent Venables and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, remains undeterred in their broader mission. Conroy and Best are both quality foundational pieces, and Oklahoma is still heavily in the mix for another elite lineman — four-star offensive tackle Deacon Schmitt.
Schmitt, who has seen his stock rise steadily over the past year, has developed into one of the most coveted linemen in the country. With elite footwork, tremendous reach, and a physical edge to his game, he’s drawn interest from top-tier programs across the country. Oklahoma, to its credit, has been consistently present in his recruitment, building a strong relationship with the Wisconsin native and his family. While other programs — notably Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame — remain firmly in the picture, sources close to the recruitment suggest the Sooners are very much in contention.
Losing out on the No. 1 tackle would be a more significant concern if Oklahoma were starting from scratch, but that isn’t the case. Will Conroy, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound mauler out of Texas, is a top-150 prospect in the 247Sports Composite and regarded as one of the most powerful run blockers in the class. His tape is filled with pancake blocks, aggressive finishes, and flashes of nastiness that coaches love. His size and strength give him immediate college-ready traits, and while he’ll need to refine his pass sets and footwork, Conroy is expected to compete early once he arrives on campus.
Meanwhile, Noah Best is considered a high-upside developmental tackle with the kind of frame that offensive line coaches dream of molding. At 6-foot-6 and approaching 290 pounds, Best moves with surprising fluidity for his size. He’s a prototypical edge protector who will likely need a year or two in a collegiate strength program but could develop into a multi-year starter and potential NFL Draft pick. Best’s commitment was considered a major win for Bedenbaugh and company, particularly because he chose Oklahoma over several SEC programs that had ramped up interest in recent months.
While recruiting always carries twists and turns — especially in the NIL era — Oklahoma’s plan on the offensive line remains steady. The staff has focused on identifying early targets, building deep relationships, and trusting their evaluation process rather than chasing stars alone. That said, missing out on the No. 1 offensive tackle in the class will push the Sooners to reassess their board and potentially expand their target list, especially if they hope to take at least four offensive linemen in this cycle.
It’s also worth noting that official visit cancellations don’t always equate to eliminations. Sometimes, prospects shift schedules for family reasons, reschedule later, or simply want to visit programs closer to home during the heat of summer. But the optics here are telling: the nation’s top tackle appears to be narrowing his list, and for now, Oklahoma isn’t on it. That doesn’t mean the Sooners are out of the race entirely, but it does place added pressure on the staff to close strong with Schmitt and potentially pivot to new options if necessary.
In terms of strategy, Oklahoma’s approach has generally emphasized flexibility and adaptability. With the transfer portal always a factor and late bloomers regularly emerging in the senior season, the Sooners are known to keep a few spots open heading into the fall. That could become crucial if another elite lineman decommits elsewhere or if a national recruit suddenly becomes more open to their pitch. But even with that said, the importance of securing top-tier high school talent cannot be overstated — especially for a program looking to reassert itself in the SEC.
Conroy and Best represent the future of Oklahoma’s offensive line, but this is a conference — and a national landscape — where games are often won in the trenches. The Sooners are on the cusp of reestablishing themselves as playoff contenders, and that goal won’t be realized without dominant line play on both sides of the ball. That’s why the recruitment of Deacon Schmitt now carries even more weight. If Oklahoma can close the deal with the four-star tackle, it would stabilize their 2026 line class and give them three high-upside players to develop over the next few years.
Oklahoma’s coaching staff has also demonstrated a keen eye for talent development. Under Bedenbaugh’s guidance, the Sooners have sent numerous linemen to the NFL, including Creed Humphrey, Orlando Brown Jr., and Lane Johnson. That development track record still matters to recruits and their families, even in an NIL-driven world. The pitch in Norman remains consistent: come to Oklahoma, get developed, play early, and prepare for the NFL. That formula still resonates, especially with players like Schmitt who value a blend of tradition and forward-thinking innovation.
As the summer rolls on, official visits and camp evaluations will continue to shape the 2026 class. Oklahoma is likely to host several more linemen in the coming weeks, and additional offers could go out depending on who impresses. While losing an official from the No. 1 tackle hurts, it doesn’t close the door on a strong offensive line haul. Instead, it reinforces the need for Oklahoma to finish with conviction and maintain strong relationships with remaining targets.
In recruiting, momentum can shift quickly. A single visit, a standout camp performance, or a new offer can change the dynamic of an entire class. The Sooners know this well, and despite the recent setback, there’s no panic in Norman. With two solid commits and a real shot at landing Schmitt, Oklahoma remains in a good place — but they’ll need to stay aggressive and proactive to maintain that standing.
The next few months will be pivotal. If Oklahoma can secure Schmitt and possibly add another lineman later in the cycle, the 2026 offensive line class could still rank among the nation’s best. And with the SEC looming, that kind of depth and talent will be more important than ever. The cancellation of one visit doesn’t derail the plan — it just raises the stakes for everything that comes next.
