BREAKING: 4⭐️ Running Back DeZephen Walker Commits to Oklahoma Sooners Over Georgia, Auburn, and Others
Norman, OK — Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners have just scored a major recruiting victory.
On Wednesday, four-star running back DeZephen Walker — one of the top-rated backs in the 2026 class — announced his commitment to the University of Oklahoma, choosing the Sooners over a host of elite programs including Georgia, Auburn, Oregon, Tennessee, and several others.
Listed at 6-foot-0 and 205 pounds, Walker hails from Peculiar, Missouri, and is currently ranked as the No. 18 running back in the nation according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. His decision adds more firepower to an already strong recruiting push by OU as the program continues to reshape itself under the Venables era and prepares for its full-time SEC debut.
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A Physical, Explosive Backfield Weapon
Walker brings a unique blend of size, vision, and versatility. At 6-foot, 205, he already possesses college-ready measurables and runs with both power and elusiveness. His tape reveals a runner who thrives between the tackles but has the speed to break off chunk plays when he hits the second level.
In his junior season at Raymore-Peculiar High School, Walker rushed for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns, routinely breaking tackles and showing off his downhill explosiveness. What stands out most on film is his patience — he reads blocks well and lets plays develop, making him a natural fit in a balanced offense.
He’s also a capable pass-catcher, having logged nearly 300 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns through the air last fall — something that likely appealed to Oklahoma’s offensive staff as they continue to evolve the offense post-Lincoln Riley.
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Why Oklahoma Won Out
Walker had no shortage of options. With programs like Georgia and Tennessee — both of whom have produced multiple NFL backs in recent years — in hot pursuit, OU’s win in this recruiting battle is especially impressive. So, what tipped the scales in Norman’s favor?
Sources close to Walker’s recruitment say relationships mattered. Running backs coach Demarco Murray played a central role, staying in constant contact and making sure Walker understood both the long-term development plan and the opportunity to contribute early.
> “Coach Murray was just different,” Walker said in a brief statement after announcing his commitment. “He knows what it takes to play at the next level. He’s done it. He believes in me, and I believe in him. OU felt like home.”
It’s the second major backfield recruiting win in the 2026 cycle for Oklahoma, who has emphasized building depth at skill positions to keep pace in the SEC. Walker’s commitment also reflects the Sooners’ continued reach into the Midwest, a region Venables and staff have prioritized.
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A Strategic Fit for the Sooners
With OU heading into its first full SEC season, the Sooners know the demands of the league will be different. The physicality up front, the speed at linebacker, and the depth across SEC rosters will require more dynamic talent in the backfield — players like Walker who can shoulder 15–20 touches a game and still stay productive late in games.
Walker’s frame and running style have already drawn early comparisons to former Oklahoma back Samaje Perine, although he brings more quickness in open space. That versatility gives OU flexibility in play design, and it ensures that the Sooners can rotate backs without losing effectiveness.
With several current backs expected to either graduate or test the NFL waters over the next two seasons, Walker could be in a position to compete for meaningful snaps early in his career — especially if he continues his current development trajectory.
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Recruiting Momentum for OU
The commitment of DeZephen Walker continues what’s becoming a trend for Oklahoma in the 2026 class. The Sooners are now up to eight commitments, and Walker is the highest-rated offensive skill player so far.
More importantly, his pledge sends a message to other top recruits considering Oklahoma: the Sooners can compete with the SEC’s best for elite talent.
OU insiders believe the domino effect may not be far off, with multiple four- and five-star receivers and offensive linemen also strongly considering the Sooners — some of whom have camped with Walker and have reportedly formed bonds during unofficial visits.
Brent Venables and his staff are now building recruiting momentum on both sides of the ball, with particular emphasis on speed, size, and toughness — attributes essential to succeeding in the SEC.
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National Implications
Nationally, this commitment will be closely watched. While Walker isn’t the No. 1 back in the class, he’s firmly entrenched in the top 20, and he had real traction with blue bloods. Georgia and Oregon were considered strong contenders, and Tennessee made a hard push in recent weeks. His decision to pick OU over those names gives the Sooners valuable credibility in recruiting battles moving forward.
Moreover, Walker’s decision to commit this early — still over a year before the Early Signing Period for 2026 — may give OU a head start in building the offensive nucleus of the class. It’s a foundation they’ll look to build on aggressively as summer visits continue and camp season heats up.
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What’s Next for Walker
Now officially committed, Walker says he’ll turn his focus to his senior season at Raymore-Peculiar, where he hopes to lead the Panthers deep into the Missouri Class 6 playoffs.
> “It’s a blessing,” he said. “But the work doesn’t stop. I’ve got big goals for this year and big goals at Oklahoma. This is just the beginning.”
Walker is expected to make an official visit to Norman later this fall and plans to enroll early in January 2026 — another sign of his maturity and readiness to compete at the next level.
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Final Word
Landing DeZephen Walker is more than just adding a four-star to the commit list — it’s a statement of intent by Oklahoma.
In an SEC world, you need SEC-caliber backs. And the Sooners just got one.
