Oklahoma Sooners earn commitment from 2026 3-star DE Matthew Nelson
The Oklahoma Sooners added another intriguing defensive prospect in the 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of defensive end Matthew Nelson. Nelson is the eighth player committed to the Sooners 2026 class and the fourth player on the defensive side of the ball.
Just a few weeks ago, Brent Venables and the Sooners didn't have a player committed on defense. Venables and Jim Nagy have the ball rolling.
Nelson received his Oklahoma offer back at the beginning of May, and not long after that, the Bryant, Arkansas product picked up offers from Mississippi State and Missouri. But the Sooners made a strong first impression and had him on campus this past weekend for his official visit. Despite an official visit with Tulane coming next week, he's pulled the trigger on committing to the Oklahoma Sooners.
"After long and careful consideration, I'm officially shutting down my recruiting process," Nelson said on social media. "I have been blessed to be able to experience it, and I wouldn't want it to be any other way. Go Sooners!!
He's the second defensive line prospect added to the class, joining four-star defensive tackle Brian Harris. After flying under the radar through his junior year, Nelson's recruitment began to heat up, and he's now considered a three-star prospect, according to Rivals.
Nelson's length and his athleticism really stand out on tape. He displays fantastic effort working to the ball carrier even when the play runs away from him. Nelson displays great discipline, setting the edge. He plays with good power, showing the ability to pull offensive tackles off balance to get around them and to the quarterback. Nelson's quick off the line of scrimmage and plays with good leverage.
He'll need to continue to add mass, but he has the frame to be able to bulk up and keep his athleticism and quickness. However, the Oklahoma Sooners added a good player in Matthew Nelson.
More: Oklahoma Sooners 2026 recruiting commitment tracker
Matthew Nelson's Highlights
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Vitals
Projected Position Defensive End Height 6-foot-5 Weight 215 pounds Hometown Bryant, Ark.
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