After the 6-7 debacle in the last season, the first thing the Oklahoma Sooners did was to make their biggest front office move. Jim Nagy, who has worked in the NFL for nearly two decades, was roped in to turn things around in Oklahoma. And as of now, the Sooners seem to be on the right path. Securing the Sooners’ defense with the nation’s top talents—safety, Niko Jandreau out of Arizona, and linebacker Jakore Smith out of Arkansas—in a single window is no joke. But Nagy’s biggest win came this week when he landed a 4-star defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class of the Sooners.

Brian Harris, 6-foot-4, 290-pound, is not your ordinary DL. Powerhouse programs like Alabama, Michigan, Penn State, and South Carolina were already after the Mandarin High School talent. But Harris chose Oklahoma over other elite programs simply because Oklahoma always showed him he was “No.1 in their board room from the start.” As of now, the Sooners have up to seven pledges in the 2026 cycle and now rank No. 38 in the nation, just behind Michigan, as per 247Sports. But in all cases, the chases were not a cakewalk until GM Nagy and head coach Brent Venables stepped up.

Oklahoma GM Jim Nagy, who has yet to call off a special hunting mission, was not willing to let Harris go to any other program. Per On3, after Harris visited Norman on March 8, “Oklahoma consistently called and texted him, and also, a group chat was created with Harris, his family, and the Sooners’ defensive line coaches. The effort from head coach Brent Venables and his staff eventually paid off, as Harris has committed to Oklahoma.” Now that Harris is officially secured in Norman, Nagy could not keep calm about his 7th commit in less than six months.

On May 24, the Sooners’ recruiting coach, Cliff Hill, welcomed Harris with a heartwarming post on X. “@BrianHarr1s Yesterday was an awesome experience to be able to be with you and your family and friends when you had your commitment ceremony. You have a lot of people who love and support you. You are capable of doing anything you set your mind to. Your future is unlimited!” Hill said while posing with Harris during his commitment ceremony. Reacting to the post, GN Nagy also welcomed Harris, saying, “You got a good one in your corner, @BrianHarr1s!  Boomer!”

Listed at 6 feet, 4 inches and weighing 290 pounds, Harris blesses Oklahoma with size, strength, and athleticism, being the ultimate force in the Sooners’ defense. Plus, even though he projects himself as an interior defensive lineman while entering college, he has experience playing on the edge. Powered with burst, footwork, and hands, he was able to win against offensive tackles, making him a game-changer in Venables’ squad that is already bolstering up. Harris’ commitment marks the third defensive pledge as he will be joining Jandreau and linebacker Jakore Smith. Now can Venables finally hit the ‘SNOOZE’ button?

Brent Venables and Jim Nagy are on a mission

No. The Oklahoma head coach will now have to help Nagy with his unfinished business. After all, Venables is already satisfied with having Nagy’s back in the ride ahead. He only had high praise for the GM. “An assassin on the field. And just a great human being as well as a great leader off the field.” But maybe the sweet words will not be enough. Venables will have to help Nagy with his $81 million search mission. On May 20, the Oklahoma GM tweeted, “OU is looking for football equivalent of this dude in recruiting. #baller.” The picture that came with the post left fans guessing.

Was it an Oklahoma legend? No. The picture was of Alex Caruso, who played a pivotal role in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dramatic Game 3 comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies. After this heroic feat, Caruso signed a four-year, $81 million extension. But what makes Nagy find a Caruso-like phenom in Oklahoma? The Sooners had an injury-plagued 2024 season. Now, only a versatile, gritty, and dependable phenom like Caruso can fix them. But even before Venables could lend a helping hand, someone else came to their help.

That’s none other than the NFL veteran Tony Jefferson. After all, what better opportunity for the former Oklahoma safety to vouch for his younger brother, Josiah Jefferson? He tweeted, “My younger brother is ready to be a big time weapon for OU’s offense .. 40’ vert 🤔.” Well, we know there are too many things on Brent Venables’ plate now. But they should not give up. As J.D. PicKell served some fresh juice for the head coach to sip on. “I do think that in October-November, with how brutal their schedule is, they’re going to ruin it for somebody.” Full throttle, zero fear—Venables is becoming a name no one can overlook.