Oklahoma Sooners earn trio of predictions for 2026 linebacker out of Wisconsin

USA Today

14-05-2025

Oklahoma Sooners earn trio of predictions for 2026 linebacker out of Wisconsin
The Oklahoma Sooners are beginning to put the pieces together on the defensive side of the ball in the 2026 recruiting class. The Sooners earned their first defensive commitment in the cycle on Tuesday, gaining a pledge from linebacker Niko Jandreau.
OU is also trending favorably for Niko's brother Beau, a linebacker who was projected to land with the Sooners by Parker Thune of OUInsider and Rivals. On3's Steve Wiltfong issued a prediction favoring the Sooners for one of the more impressive defensive line prospects in the class, Brian Harris.
With the possibility that the Oklahoma Sooners could lose up to three of their top four linebackers after the 2025 season and with light linebacker recruiting classes over the last couple of cycles, the Sooners may need to load up in the 2026 class. On Wednesday morning, the Sooners were favored to land three-star linebacker Ben Wenzel out of Appleton, Wisconsin.
The Sooners earned a trio of predictions from Rivals national recruiting analyst Greg Smith and OUInsider's Parker Thune and Brandon Drumm.
Wenzel's considered the No. 4 player in the state of Wisconsin and holds offers from Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Kansas, Michigan State, Minnesota, Army, Wyoming, and North Dakota. He received his offer from the Sooners back on April 29, according to Wenzel's X profile, and has an official visit set for the ChampU BBQ June 20-22. He also has official visits set up with Wisconsin and Kansas.
Wenzel may not be the most highly rated player, but it's clear he's impressed Brent Venables, the Oklahoma Sooners coaching staff, and the front office led by Jim Nagy.
Wenzel has good size at 6-foot-3 and plays linebacker the right way. He does a great job working through the opposition to track down the ball carrier and make a play. He has plus athleticism and flows well to the football. Wenzel does a great job using his length to keep blockers from washing him out of the play.
Wenzel's a fast-rising player that's beginning to get more national looks across college football and it appears the Oklahoma Sooners have put themselves in a strong position to land his commitment.
Highlights
Watch Ben Wenzel's highlights on Hudl.
Vitals
Projected Position Linebacker Height 6-foot-3 Weight 215 pounds Hometown Appleton, Wisconsin
Ratings
Site Stars Overall Position State Rivals 3 -- -- 4 ESPN -- -- -- -- 247Sports 3 -- 97 7 247Sports Composite -- -- -- -- On3 -- -- -- -- On3 Industry -- -- -- --
Twitter
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