The Oklahoma Sooners have been making strides in the 2026 recruiting class on the defensive side of the ball. Recently, they secured commitments from safety Niko Jandreau and linebacker Jakore Smith. Now, they’re also targeting one of the fastest-rising prospects in the cycle, Brian Harris. The Sooners are gaining momentum with another defensive recruit, edge rusher Matthew Nelson.
Nelson, an unranked prospect from Little Rock, Arkansas, plays for Bryant High School, the same school as Jakore Smith. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing just over 215 pounds, Nelson may not have many Power Five offers yet, according to 247Sports, but Oklahoma has taken notice. Rivals reports that Nelson has an official visit scheduled for June 6, and Oklahoma is emerging as the frontrunner for the athletic defensive end.
Rivals and OUInsider recruiting analysts Parker Thune and Cody Carpentier, who covers Texas Longhorns recruiting for Rivals, have both made Futurecast predictions, signaling that the Oklahoma Sooners are the likely destination for Matthew Nelson.
Nelson’s physical attributes and athleticism stand out on film. He shows exceptional effort chasing down the ball carrier, even when the play goes away from him. His discipline in setting the edge is impressive, and he plays with strong power, able to overpower offensive tackles to get around them and pressure the quarterback. His quickness off the line and ability to play with solid leverage further enhance his skill set.
With his significant upside, Nelson has the potential to be a major contributor. Oklahoma defensive line coach Miguel Chavis and the Sooners are in a prime position to land one of the more underrated prospects in the 2026 class.
Leave a Reply