The Oklahoma Sooners aren’t going to be upset about missing out on 2027 defensive lineman Josh Christensen
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Oklahoma Sooners lost out on 2027 defensive lineman Josh Christensen, who committed to Oregon over OU, Washington, and Cal.
The 6’6, 250-pound prospect is one of the better defensive linemen in the country who hasn’t generated much mainstream buzz. Oklahoma could have used him, but this miss won’t dent the Sooners’ recruiting haul in any meaningful way.
OU holds the No. 1 recruiting class in the country and is already stacked on the defensive line. The Sooners have several edge rushers and defensive linemen committed, including some of the best prospects in the entire 2027 class: Krew Jones, Elija Harmon, Deven Robertson, Sione Felila, and Samuel Nelson. Another interior presence would have been nice, and Christensen’s frame would have made for a great pairing alongside that group.
Christensen is ranked as the No. 62 player at his position nationally and the No. 2 prospect in the state of Oregon. He’s also projected to land inside the top 1,000 players in the country. That 6’6 frame at his age is something you simply don’t see often at that level. And, the tape screams that he has the tools to be a steal in this recruiting class.
However, the Sooners are not going to chase a three-star recruit, especially one who appears to be an in-state talent for the Ducks. Oregon was always going to have an advantage in this recruitment, and Christensen clearly felt comfortable staying close to home. OU recognized the talent, extended the offer, and moved on.
The Sooners still have the No. 1 class and plenty of defensive firepower
This is where perspective matters. Oklahoma’s missing Christensen does not change the composition of the 2027 class, which remains the best in college football. The defensive line room alone is loaded with high-end talent across multiple positions. The Sooners have their foundational pieces already locked in.
If coach Brent Venables decides he wants another edge rusher or interior lineman, he can go find one. He has proven throughout his time in Norman that he can identify talent later in the recruiting cycle — finding under-the-radar prospects with tools and untapped potential is something this coaching staff does consistently well.
The Sooners will now try to wrap up the rest of their 2027 class, and so far, things are in great shape. Christensen can be a good player at Oregon, but Oklahoma won’t lose any sleep over it.
