Oklahoma has once again tapped into its expanding Arkansas recruiting pipeline. Head coach Brent Venables and the Sooners secured a verbal commitment from 2026 edge rusher, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound prospect out of Bryant, Arkansas.
Top prospect, a top elite recruit according to Rivals, announced his commitment to OU via Twitter.
He becomes Oklahoma’s eighth verbal commitment in the 2026 recruiting class and the fourth straight defensive player to join the fold. He follows in the footsteps of his Bryant High School teammate, linebacker Jakore Smith, as well as defensive lineman Brian Harris and safety Niko Jandreau.
Nelson made a strong impression at Brent Venables’ Elite Camp last weekend, where he received hands-on instruction from defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis.
Nelson picked Oklahoma over a host of offers, including Cincinnati, Houston, Mississippi State, Missouri, and others.
A standout multi-sport athlete, Nelson also competes in track and field, recently capturing a state title in the 110-meter hurdles—highlighting his athleticism and explosiveness off the edge.
He is the first player to commit following Oklahoma’s major recruiting weekend, during which Brent Venables and his staff hosted more than a dozen official visitors. That group included quarterback Beau Bentley and several other four-star prospects, with more commitments expected in the near future.
Nelson’s pledge continues Oklahoma’s success recruiting across state lines from Bryant, Arkansas, and adds to the growing list of Sooners with Arkansas ties. He joins freshman defensive backs Omarion Robinson (Little Rock) and Marcus Wimberly (Bauxite), as well as wide receivers Javonnie Gibson (formerly of Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and Isaiah Sategna, a Fayetteville native who transferred to OU after starting his career at Arkansas.