Oklahoma secures commitment from coveted edge rusher Jake Kreul

IMG Academy four-star edge rusher Jake Kreul announced his commitment to Oklahoma on Tuesday afternoon. The blue-chipper chose head coach Brent Venables and the Sooners over his other top schools in Ole Miss and Texas.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Kreul is tabbed by the Rivals Industry as the nation’s No. 8 edge rusher and No. 41 prospect overall. He becomes commit No. 16 for Oklahoma in the 2026 class.

Kreul was one of the Sooners most coveted targets in the 2026 cycle.

“What really excites me about my opportunity with Oklahoma is how they utilize their edge rushers,” Kreul has said. “In particular, R Mason Thomas as we have very similar games.

Oklahoma led for Kreul heading into the summer and was able to get it to the finish line including a strong official visit at the end June.

“I had a really great time visiting OU this weekend,” Kreul said. “Spent a ton of time breaking down film and seeing their scheme and how I fit with it. As always, that is the part I love the most when visiting schools. Talking ball is my passion.”

Oklahoma checked the boxes for Kreul

Kreul feels he can really fit in at Oklahoma.

“Also got to spend a lot of time with all the guys in the edge room,” he said. “My host was R Mason Thomas. So it was pretty cool hang and learn from a guy that is a projected first or second round draft pick.

“Definitely enjoyed seeing the culture and energy when they had during their team lift.”

Kreul loves the environment around the football team in Norman as well.

“The one thing I like about OU is that Norman has that college town vibes that you get to see in the traditional SEC,” Kreul said. “You just know game days are going to be crazy with all the fans.”

Besides his finalists, Kreul also strongly considered scholarships from Texas, Florida, Miami, Ohio State and Penn State among others. He played in the Under Armour All-America Game in January.